Any playfulness in his voice or mannerisms immediately vanished at her words. His expression darkened as he glared at her. "You think that's funny? My not having parents is a joke to you? Maybe they didn't want me, maybe they died. I don't know. But either way.. you find joy in a tiny child wandering the cruel streets just trying to survive?"

He clenched his fists and curled his lips as his voice normally an unusually higher tenor lowered from his anger. " You think I should laugh if you find yourself in such a spot? Your old man isn't in the best of health and he isn't no spring chicken. Shall I laugh at the idea something bad happen and you kids have to fend for yourself, you damned little bitch?" Perhaps that was too far, but she had truly struck a nerve.