Robbie lifted his gaze to stare right into a pair of domineering eyes. The man curled his lips into an unfriendly smile. “Have you heard of that name, little man?”
The strapping Zachary towered over the diminutive Robbie like a massive beast.
As they regarded each other, their difference in physical stature culminated in striking contrast.
“It’s you?” Robbie’s fist tightened against itself as he met Zachary’s eyes head-on.
“Ah!”
Ellie suddenly let out a scream in terror and ducked behind old Mr. Nacht. She shivered as she held on to his shirt.
“Don’t be afraid!” The old man quickly shielded Ellie behind him and coaxed gently, “This is my grandson, Ellie. He’s not a bad guy.”
He then poked his finger at Zachary and snapped at him, “Look what you’ve done. You’ve frightened them.”
“He’s your grandson?” Robbie was shocked.
“He…”
The little girl sputtered as she struggled to enunciate her words, and could only hide behind old Mr. Nacht as she trembled uncontrollably.
“Why? Are you not able to see the resemblance?” The corner of Zachary’s lips lifted into an exaggerated smile. “You don’t have to be afraid of me. Not only will I not hurt you, but I’ll also send you home.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Robbie furrowed his brows as he glared at the man.
“What’s wrong, Robbie?” The elderly man went over to the boy when he sensed something was off. “If you don’t want him to send you, then I’ll do it instead.”
He then turned to Zachary reproachfully. “Now, you’ve gone and scared them. Enough of this. I have to send them back myself.”
“But I haven’t done anything at all,” Zachary said with a shrug. “Perhaps I look a little intimidating?”
“Stop it. Get out!” The old man gave Zachary a slight shove in annoyance.
“I’m the one who’s your own grandson, Grandpa!”
Zachary was rendered speechless at the old man who had shown favor to someone else’s offspring instead.
“Didn’t you hear me? Get out,” The elderly man said as he raised his crutch over his own head.
“Robbie, Jamie, Ellie…”
Gentle voices accompanied the arrival of Ruby, Lexie, and the homeroom teacher from the Apple Kindergarten.
“We are so glad to finally see you. You three have really had us worried.”
“Yeah. We’ve even called the police.”
“Ms. Longman, Ms. Cheney, and Ms. Krasny!” Ellie rushed into Lexie’s arms, nearly bowling the frail lady over. “Boy, am I ever so glad to see you!”
“We’ve been looking all over for you,” Lexie said as she held the little girl close.
“What brings you here?”
When Robbie saw the teachers and the police behind them, his knitted brows seemed to untangle just a little as he felt a lot safer in their presence.
“Miss…” Jamie reacted to the teachers as though he had seen family, and tried to get out from the bed.
“No, don’t move.” Ruby went forward to pacify the boy. “Don’t be afraid now. We’re here to take you home.”
“What do you think about that?” Zachary shrugged at his grandfather. “Now, you may return home with peace of mind. Just leave the rest to me!”
“That’s better.” The old man gave him a look before he reminded him sternly, “You have to get them back to their parents safely. And you are not to frighten them again.”
“That’s the mug I was born with. Not much I can do about that,” Zachary replied.
“Can’t you at least learn to smile? Act friendlier, huh?” the old man said. “Always wearing a frown with that poker face of yours. Anyone would be afraid of you!”
“Why should I smile at him? He’s not my son,” Zachary replied.
“You’ll be the death of me, you rascal!” The old man said as he spanked the man on the rear with his crutch, “If you could have a son as adorable as this, I would die a happy man!”
