Austin stood up from the chair he was sitting on in his office after some minutes later after John went out.
He decided to go get a coffee near a restaurant that was opposite his office where he worked.
He arrived at the restaurant and took a seat offered by a waitress that walked towards him to attend to him. He originally intended to grab just a coffee, but he opted for a meal instead because it was only an hour until noon.
While sitting in the restaurant, he spotted a boy, by the window side, staring at him through the transparent glass; he couldn't help but decide to stare at the boy back with wonder trying to figure out what the boy was looking at. He felt uncertain about the boy's thoughts. It looked like the boy wanted something from him or could it be something else, so he walked outside and approached the boy.
He asked the boy what he was staring at, was he lost or something, or was he waiting for someone? The boy ignores him and chooses to remain silent instead of responding.
Austin felt puzzled, questioning why the boy remained silent and refused to answer his question, inside his mind.
Austin chose to re-enter the restaurant, but the boy restrained him by gripping his hands. Austin turned and looked at the boy. The boy grasped his hands and looked at him with a concerned and pitiful expression.
The boy pointed to his mouth twice with a hand gesture. At that moment, Thomas realized that the boy was deaf and unable to speak.
Oh, I didn't realize that you are deaf and can't speak, my apologies for that. Why don't you come in so I can get you something to eat? I'm really glad that your hand gestures just now indicate that you're hungry.
Austin grinned at the boy and softly rubbed his head with his hands. Hey, kids, he said. How about you step inside and follow me?
The boy declined to enter with Austin, Austin wandered why, but soon realized that the boy didn't hear what he previously said.
so Austin gestured with his hands towards the boy, indicated where he was seated in the restaurant, and then pointed at the food being delivered by one of the waiters. Next, indicate the boy and then gesture towards his mount.
The boy shook his head, sighs of letting Austin know that he understood what he said, then he follow Austin inside. They got inside and sat on the chair, the boy facing Austin, staring at Austin with a steady gaze.
Austin exclaimed, 'Oh, that unfortunate kid.' I know you must be badly hungry, don't worry, I will make sure that you feed well, okay?
Although the boy had tattered clothing resembling a rag, Austin rejected that notion and opted to help the kid by providing him with food.
Austin signaled one of the waiters in the restaurant to approach him, to the table where he was sitted.
The waiters walk and came closer to austing.
Good morning, sir, said the waitress with a smile. How may I assist you, sir? She stated.
Please get me a burger, some fried rice, and chicken. Austin smiled at the boy and said, 'Make it double; I have a special guest with me here.' The boy was quiet, staring at Austin thoroughly like he was watching a movie or something. Austin overlooked the situation and instead perceived the boy's constant gaze as a source of comfort, considering it normal because of the boy's condition.
The waiter asked politely, 'Sir, can you tell me who the kid is?' He looks weird, and the way he stares at you, wow, is super scary; if it was me, I would run or get away from the boy. I dislike that he wears dirty clothes; we don't permit inappropriate attire here, especially since his dirty clothes annoy the people who come to eat here in this restaurant. Is he your son or anything like that? She asked.
Are you a police officer or what, Austin asked. Why are you questioning me? Is this question part of what you are supposed to do as part of your job? Are you here to assist me or to ask foolish questions? Austin reacted with anger, his eyebrows furrowing into a sharp V that cast shadows over his eyes as he stared at the waiter.
Leave now, or I will make you lose your job. I don't mind if the boy wears filthy clothes or anything dirty; he's a human being just like you and I, and you're a woman for that matter. I had higher expectations for you, but instead, you come off as a fool spouting nonsense. Can you justify treating your child in this manner? I am confident you will, as this is a common example of what occurs when you possess one. Austin shouted at the waiters in anger, drawing the attention of nearby patrons. He struck the chair he was sitting on with his hands. I find this offensive; I won't just sit back while you make such ridiculous statements.
I'm sorry, sir, if I have offended you in any ways, please forgive me. I was just explaining the rules of this restaurant to you. The waitstaff stated.
Rules.. you say rules, what rules, this isn't rules, I want to see your manager, I would love to have a conversation with him about this. This is outrageous; we are all customers and deserve equal treatment.
If you mention this to the manager sir, he will be angry and could terminate my employment; I kindly ask you not to say anything. The waiters urged Austin to remain calm.
It will not be to my happiness if you have been sacked away from here; I will feel bad if that happens. But next time, make sure you pick your correction. Do not say this again.
Now go get me what I ordered for.
Absolutely, sir, I apologize. I will fetch it immediately. The servers mentioned.
Austin glanced around and noticed the diners in the restaurant staring at him; he smiled at them and apologized for his rude reaction to the waitstaff, attempting to convey that she had done something to irritate him, and he was trying to address it.
He then turned to look at the boy. The boy maintained a steady gaze, seemingly focused solely on Austin without shifting his head.
A few minutes later, the waiter delivered Austin's order: a burger and double fried rice with chicken, one for the boy and one for himself.
He watched her while she set them down on the table.
Sorry if I have been rude to you, I was angry, that's why, Austin said. While looking at the woman.
No, it is nothing. I acknowledge my mistake and I will make an effort to avoid repeating it. Sorry sir, she begged again.
Additionally, could you get me some blended fruit and fruit juice? Haha, Austin chuckled, attempting to ease the tension he had created earlier. Please be fast about it, he said.
Kid, start Digging in okay, Austin said. Austin used his hands and pushed the food that had been brought by the waiter gently to the boy where he was sitting opposite him, there sit was opposite direction facing reach other.
The boy looked at the food and then shifted his gaze back to Austin. That was the first time the boy lint off his gaze from Austin, but as soon, he quickly returned it.
The boy carefully lifted the spoon been druped by the waiter, with the food on his front, he looked at the spoon and gently deeped it inside the fried rice, and then he began eating.
Austin frequently observes this, but he chooses to dismiss it and considers it normal, or perhaps the boy is unwell, which might explain his odd behavior.
Kid, what is your name, Austin asked. All of a sudden, Austin realized that the boy was deaf and lacked the ability to speak.
Haha, oh sorry dude, I forgot you can't speak, Austin apologized.
Forget it, just continue eating. Thomas spoke while holding the burger in his hands moving it to his mouth as he take a big bite of it. he chewed it slowly while watching the boy eat too.
Who is this kid, Thomas asked himself silently inside his mind, as he gazed at the boy, could he be lost or something, doesn't he have a parent or family. A boy at this age can't just roam about this way. why could he be in a big city like Eldrado with this kind of torn dress, am wondered if the police didn't see him, to carry up some investigation, or perhaps the didn't see him?
It will be of importance that the investigate This. maybe he could be missing or something, Austin murmured in thought as he contaplate. Or should I call the police to come take him, it will be much better and more safer for the boy. Or should I take him to my house? No, no, that's a bad idea. Even though I will decide to take him to my house, I have to let the police know about this first.