Читать книгу Mended Hearts - Ruth Herne Logan - Страница 14

Hannah moved to the candy store counter and smiled at the teenage boy who walked in with his mother on Monday afternoon. He didn’t return the smile, just gave a semi-embarrassed “what am I doing here” half shrug.

Hannah understood the adolescent gesture. When the woman moved off to examine preboxed candy, a note of desperation darkened the boy’s eyes, a quick flash, as if weighing escape routes and finding them lacking.

A cold shudder coursed through Hannah; an icy prickling climbed her back, clawing her gut.

She stood on her side of the counter, wanting to move, wanting to help, frozen in the press of memories, the boy’s stark look familiar.

The boy read her expression and jerked his features into a quick semblance of normalcy. Then he ducked his chin.

He’s a kid, Hannah reminded herself as she stepped forward. They’re all a little whacked-out at this age. Puberty does weird things to kids’ heads. You know that, Hannah. Get a grip.

“May I help you?”

He shrugged again, glanced around, then settled a look on his mother. “I’m just waiting for her.”

His detached tone told Hannah he wasn’t here by choice. She nodded and raised a tray of freshly done candies. “Well, I’ve got a sampling here of some new twists on old favorites. If you’d like to try a couple for me, I’d value your opinion, sir.”