She reached out to help him, but he recoiled violently, his glare as sharp as a knife, instantly shutting her out.
He threw his head back until his skull hit the stone wall with a dull thud.
His pupils contracted, his gaze so sharp it was almost aggressive.
With a twist of his body, he forced himself into a crevice in the stone flowerbed wall, his shoulders trembling.
The crevice was only large enough for half his body, but he forced himself sideways into it.
His back scraped against the brick, leaving a dark red gash.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! Did I scare you? Don't be afraid, I really don't mean any harm! Look at all the bruises on your arms and legs. It must hurt terribly, right?"
She pulled her hand back, laying it open on her knee to show she was harmless.
Her words came faster, her voice tinged with anxiety and self-reproach.
He didn't say a word, burying his face in his knees and curling up into a small ball.
