let the adults handle it

The silence was deafening as Zane studied Mr. Briggs's determined eyes, rage beaming in his, and then Mr. Briggs closed his eyelids, ready for whatever Zane was going to do to him next.

It took a while, but nothing happened, and then Mr. Briggs felt a warm liquid hit the skin of his palm, and a wave of guilt like never before tear through him, devouring his sense of pride and ego, breaking down his walls of selfishness and anger, and left him with nothing but regret, self-loathing, and pain.

When the second drop hit his palm, he squeezed his eyelids, feeling a sense of remorse squeeze his heart, making him feel ashamed and remorseful.

“I wish that you were right… that you are not my father. Then I wouldn’t have to grieve about not haven’t any parent.” Zane whispered, still staring at Mr. Briggs's wet hand.

Taking this as a threat, Mr. Briggs shut his eyes and prepared for Zane to put him out of his misery of guilt and shame, but then he heard him say, “We are even now. You saved my lif