Karl stared at him, heart heavy, guilt washing over him like a storm. He remembered all the times he played games, lazed around, pretended not to hear Milo's soft voice asking for help. And now Milo looked exhausted, hiding pain behind a smile.
"I'm sorry…" Karl whispered, his eyes filling with tears. Then he suddenly pulled Milo into a tight hug, his arms shaking. "I'm sorry! I won't be lazy again… I'll help you! I swear, Milo!"
Milo blinked, stunned at first, then smiled warmly and patted Karl's back gently. "Yeah, Brother Karl… that's what I've been saying. You should help. If you haven't seen Brother Adi's hands, you should look… they're all rough and red now from working all day. He's so tired…"
Karl stiffened, even more ashamed now. The tears rolled down his cheeks as he buried his face into Milo's shoulder. He hadn't realized how much pressure Milo and Adrian had been quietly carrying behind their smiles.
From that moment, something shifted in Karl's heart.
