As Andrew hurried back to his usual begging spot, his mind raced with the memory of the kind woman's touch and her gentle words. The warmth of her care still lingered on his skin, a stark contrast to the harsh reality he was about to re-enter. As he rounded the corner, he spotted Lisa and William, their faces etched with worry as they scanned the crowded street.
"Andrew!" Lisa's voice cracked with relief as she rushed towards him, William close on her heels.
"Where have you been?" William demanded, his tone a mixture of concern and frustration. "We've been searching everywhere!"
Andrew opened his mouth to explain, but Lisa's sharp intake of breath cut him short. Her eyes had landed on the clean bandages adorning his arms.
"What happened?" she whispered, her fingers hovering over the white fabric. "Who did this?"
