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better.
    A deep, male voice behind them, said, “My, what a fine young lad you have there.”
    Hearing the strange voice, Will’s body tensed. He clutched onto her jeans and, trembling, hid his face against her.
    “Handsome young fellow,” the man added.
    The man’s words had a chilling effect on Will. He clung desperately to her leg, his fingers digging into her flesh. Martha, her pulse racing in agony for Will, turned to see a kindly old gentleman. A man who appeared to genuinely like young children. But the boy’s recent trauma had changed the way any encounter with an unknown male might appear to him.
    “Why, thank you,” Martha managed. Receiving their food, she and Will hurried away from the man’s vicinity and took a seat in the children’s play area.
    She set out Will’s lunch. “Oh, my, doesn’t this look good? May I have one of your fries?” she said, trying to lure his thoughts away from the encounter.
    Will, sat frozen, saying nothing, his features pale. His eyes darted about. He took none of his food. “Okay, Grammy, you can have some.” His voice, tight with apprehension, made her heart ache. “Was that a bad man, Grammy?” he asked, his small face white with fear.
    “No, son, I’m sure he wasn’t. Most people are good and kind. Try to remember that, Will.” She smiled reassuringly at the boy. “He looked like someone’s nice grandfather to me. Go ahead and eat,” she urged. “Then you can play for a while if you like.” Hoping he wouldn’t fear those of his own size, she added, “And you have to be small to enter the play place.” She pointed to the measuring line. “You can’t be taller than that mark.”
    Will ate slowly. He watched the other young children screaming, climbing, and sliding about on the large, plastic, play structures. Thankfully, the elderly man had taken his meal and left.
    They quietly ate their meal and, after some time, Will slowly removed his sneakers, put them in a slot made especially for children’s shoes, and almost reluctantly began playing. Subdued at first, he finally joined in, running, climbing, sliding, and yelling with the others.
    Martha wanted to cry with relief at seeing Will act like a normal little boy, if only for a little while. She whipped out her cell. “Jeannie, guess what? Will’s running and playing, just like always.”
    “Oh, thank God for that!” she heard her daughter say.
    After listening to her Jeannie’s delighted reply, she said, “See ya later, dear,” and clicked off. Will played a while longer, and nearly refused to leave when it was time.
    She surmised he felt safe surrounded by those his own age. He could let loose, and relax where only small children are allowed to play. A positive, she felt delighted to be able report to his mother.
    Will reluctantly departed the Biggie’s Burgers play area and she took him home. Watching in the rear view mirror, she noted a bit of sparkle in his eyes as he bounced about in his safety seat. She took it as a hopeful sign. “Did you have a good lunch, Will?”
    “Yep, Grammy, I sure did. But it’s all gone away now.” He puffed out a sigh, slumped down in his seat, no longer looking outside at passing vehicles or people walking with pets—something he’d always done before.
    He’s returned to his dreadful memories. Martha seethed again with hatred toward the man who’d committed that foul act upon her darling. I hope he burns in hell for what he’s done. Silently cursing the man, she drove her grandchild home, her mind roiling in fury at their helplessness.
    Leaving Will at the door, Martha told Jeannie, “Except for the old gentleman speaking to us, it went fine. He had a good time, if only for a little while.”
    “Thanks, Mom, for taking him.” The beginning of tears glimmered in Jeannie’s eyes as Martha drove away, leaving her standing there.
    But Martha had to be at work at three, and while at the hospital, her mind and body were kept very busy. A blessing. And