The man sat beside the crying child and hugged his knees to his chest. "No one's hurt so it's ok. Will shouldn't talk about your trouble with school. You're doing your best and harsh words makes it harder. Right?"

He looked at Bram . "Want to talk about why you were angry ?" He wanted to get to the problem between the brothers.

Bram kept his face hidden in his arms. His shoulders shook lightly. "I don't want to be the stupid one..." he cried.

"Stupid!?" Elijah sat up sharply and frowned at him  He put a hand on the boy's shoulder and leaned in a little. "No one is perfect. Some have trouble learning some things faster than others, and everyone will stumble over something."

He shook his head and looked at Bram. "But I swear under God with all sincerity and honesty. I don't think you're stupid at all. You are a curious and bright boy. There is so much in the world you can be good at besides words that it shouldn't be something to be upset about. Reading and writing is important, but you can work on it and don't get upset if it takes a little while. "

Bram sniffed and leaned against Elijah. "But I can't learn me letters! I can't learn owt! And all the other boys say I'm stupid. And I'm naughty. But I don't want to be. But I am. And Will says they'll hang me for it!"

Elijah stared ahead as he wrapped an arm around Bram to hug the child. "Kids are cruel. They say hurtful things just to be mean, so ignore them. You're little and words can be hard, so just don't give up. And I promise, you can't be hung because you don't know your words or are 'naughty'. I promise you'll find eventually things you are way better at naturally than them. So keep your chin up and ignore those hurtful words, even from your own brother. Alright ?"

Bram cried against Elijah. "But father also says I can't learn and me time in school is a waste and me teacher used to say I'm the stupidest boy he's ever taught. I'm no goooooooooood." He began crying all over.

Elijah gasped and held him, rubbing his back to soothe his tears. "Your father has never been to school and your teacher was awful. I believe in your new one and don't think he'd ever say such a thing. And besides... "

He moved his hand to lift the boy's head so he could look him in the eye. "I promise to my very soul, I'd be proud to have a son just like you."

Bram looked up at Elijah, pouting. "Even when I ain't clever and I'll ne'er be a constable?" he asked.

Elijah looked down at him and rose a brow. "I never said you weren't clever. And you know the difference between right and wrong, right? So I don't see why you can't be constable if you work hard. But you can't be throwing things, got it?" He smiled softly. "And I meant what I said. I think you are a good kid and you're smarter than you believe. You are a great kid. I just wish you didn't act out so much, but I can understand you get upset and frustrated."

He hugged Elijah and looked up frightened. "Is father very angry?"