The next kick was the last straw. Without thinking, Daniel’s hand jerked, sending the cup of cold water arcing backwards. It splashed over the top of the seat, soaking the mother’s blouse and coat. She shrieked, jumping up as ice water streamed down her front. Her phone clattered to the floor, and the quiet car went completely still.
Daniel didn’t raise his voice or apologize with much conviction. He turned and spoke just loud enough for everyone to hear, “Sorry. That kick startled me—I lost my grip.” He glanced meaningfully at the boy, who now sat frozen, legs drawn up beneath him.
The mother stared, furious, but as she opened her mouth to retort, murmurs rose around the carriage. A woman nearby leaned over to her companion, “Honestly, he’s been getting kicked the whole time.” Someone else: “There’s a reason this is the quiet car.” The mother’s anger faltered, and her glare faded to embarrassment. She sat down, blotting at her shirt, shooting Daniel an icy look but not saying another word.
The next kick was the last straw. Without thinking, Daniel’s hand jerked, sending the cup of cold water arcing backwards. It splashed over the top of the seat, soaking the mother’s blouse and coat. She shrieked, jumping up as ice water streamed down her front. Her phone clattered to the floor, and the quiet car went completely still.
Daniel didn’t raise his voice or apologize with much conviction. He turned and spoke just loud enough for everyone to hear, “Sorry. That kick startled me—I lost my grip.” He glanced meaningfully at the boy, who now sat frozen, legs drawn up beneath him.
The mother stared, furious, but as she opened her mouth to retort, murmurs rose around the carriage. A woman nearby leaned over to her companion, “Honestly, he’s been getting kicked the whole time.” Someone else: “There’s a reason this is the quiet car.” The mother’s anger faltered, and her glare faded to embarrassment. She sat down, blotting at her shirt, shooting Daniel an icy look but not saying another word.