His face was swollen, his hands covering his backside, his sleeve wiping his face.
His snot was smeared all over.
Seeing me open the door, Helen stopped in her tracks.
Troy quickly stepped forward to shield the boy.
"It's just a small matter. A little scolding should do, right? Is all this necessary?"
I thought she was just putting on an act.
But Helen looked genuinely furious, not like she was faking it.
Were they deliberately trying to keep us awake by coming here?
But was it worth it to harm themselves just to hurt me?
At that moment, several neighbors from downstairs came up as well.
With a face full of grievance, she pointed at me.
"My son and her daughter are classmates. Today, my son accidentally drew on her daughter's school uniform, and she had her husband find me about it.
"Kids don't do these things on purpose, you know? I think she's just taking advantage of the fact that I'm a widow with no one to rely on."
As she spoke, she dabbed at her tears, looking pitiful and helpless.
"It's not a big deal."
"But she was just talking, she didn't really bully you or anything."
"Besides, even if you're upset, you can just say a few words. Scolding your child at this hour is disturbing everyone."