boy looked toward his parents.
Then back at Owen.
“I’m sorry you had to miss the movie,” Owen said.
Ethan’s lip trembled.
“And I want you to understand something.”
Owen waited until Ethan met his eyes.
“You aren’t a bad kid.”
The boy looked surprised.
“Kicking seats and throwing popcorn wasn’t okay. But doing something wrong doesn’t make you a bad person.”
Ethan said nothing.
Owen continued gently.
“Were you trying to get somebody to pay attention to you?”
Ethan’s face collapsed.
Then he nodded.
His mother lowered her phone.
