I pulled back to inspect him again. Just before asking if he was hurt anywhere else, I noticed tears threaten to spill out of his eyes. I wanted to reach a thumb out to swipe at them, but I held myself back for fear of embarrassing him. “I’m sorry. Did I scare you?” I asked as gently as I could. He shook his head. “Then what is it?” “You’re the first person who’s asked me that.” His words came out in a small rough voice that broke my heart.
