Nathaniel came out of his trance and scrutinized him warily, searching for cuts, bruises—anything. But there was no trace of blood, no flicker of pain on his face.
"You okay?" he asked suspiciously.
"I am absolutely fine," replied Ian with a confident smile. "I retrieved the phone."
Nathaniel was relieved that Ian wasn't hurt. But that relief soon transformed into rage.
"You fool," he scolded. "That man was armed. He could have attacked you and injured you severely. Yet, you ran after him without caring about your safety – just for a phone!"
"It's not just a phone," Ian said seriously. "It's your phone, full of important information. How could I let a small thug like that guy snatch it away from you? Don't worry. I taught him a lesson. He will never mess with you again."
Nathaniel narrowed his eyes. The more he looked at his frail boy, the more curious he grew.
"What are you?" he muttered, dazed.
