The atmosphere beneath the evening sky grew increasingly constricting. Daniel continued to stare intently into Easter's dark eyes, waiting for the words that could explain the crazy fear behind his absolute refusal.
Easter took a short breath, then exhaled slowly. His small shoulders moved rigidly as he opened his mouth. "I don't want Mom to find out about your kindness," the boy whispered, his voice incredibly raspy, blending with the dusty wind of the outer complex. "If Mom ever finds out a rich person cares about me, she will definitely blackmail you. She will harm you with all kinds of false allegations just to get more money."
Daniel frowned, his heart suddenly twitching with discomfort. "Harm me how, Easter? I only intend to pay for your school."
Easter smiled bitterly, an expression that looked far too exhausted for a child his age. He squeezed the strap of his worn cloth bag, recalling the dark memories he had witnessed firsthand in that dilapidated house.
