"I don't think what I said was malicious in any way, right?" Otto immediately grabbed Elvin by the shoulder when he saw that the boy was about to leave.

He bent down. "I don't think I've ever offended you, right? Or did I do something to make you unhappy?"

Elvin was already upset and annoyed, and now he had to deal with a relentless adult. His expression was extremely ugly.

Otto immediately thought of Stephen. They looked really alike.

"You're still a child. You can't run around." Otto coaxed gently, "I don't care whether you like me or not; I have to take you back."

"I don't want to go back."

"Why?"

"No reason." Elvin tried to shrug Otto's hand off, but Otto was way too strong for him.

He glared at Otto. "I'm not a child. I can look after myself."

Otto didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "How old are you?"

Then, he pulled Elvin along. "If I let you go now and if anything were to happen to you, your mother would never forgive me."

"Will Mommy get well?"

Otto stopped in h