Tom rolled his eyes. Simon pouted and crawled from under the bed.
Ben got up. "Alright, boys. It's time to get ready for bed. I'll walk ye safely home, Elijah." Perhaps at this age the boy did not need someone to accompany him. But everyone was more concerned when it came to Elijah.

Elijah didn't fight it, he did feel better to have the man walk with him. "Thank you.." He walked with him to the door to go home.

Ben walked beside him. He felt he owed it to the boy's father to look out for the kid. He would want others to do the same for his children if anything happened to him and Hannah. "How is your health, lad? All patched up?"

Elijah looked down and nodded. "Yeah.. still.. sensitive.. but.. I'm ok. Nana says I'll feel better if I wear gloves."

"That's something at least. Do you see the doctor regularly?"

Elijah shook his head. "Twice a year. I used to go a lot more though.."

"Because you're getting better?" Ben asked.

Elijah nodded and smiled. "I'm a lot better! Though.. the doctor says I will always have the scars." he pouted looking at his hands then hid them in his pockets.

Ben put a hand on his shoulder lightly. "You shouldn't be ashamed of them, son. If other kids bully you, you ignore them. People who only care about the outside don't make good friends."

Elijah smiled weakly up at Ben. "Thank you.. I hope you're right. I don't want people to look at me and be grossed out or scared."