Grade-six student. Modest background. Teachers flagged him as uncooperative. Students despised him, having fallen victim to his pranks.
My dad stopped to pry him out. When uncovered, the boy livened. His back revealed crisscrossing straps attached to oversized pants, no jacket.
Dad offered to take him home, leaving the empty cart behind. As we drove, I looked back at my classmate with scorn. He grinned, having added another victory to his accomplishments.
I remained silent. How could I dampen the mood of a compassionate soul?