Gray stayed seated for a while. The shaking in Eli's body had stopped now. Aside from that, Eli told him more of the truth. A terrifying truth that he couldn't believe was real.
Eli had told him that this wasn't a single incident, but a cycle. He revealed that it was the older caretakers who would hurt the kids whenever they "messed up". They would hit the kids with a stick, kick, or grab their wrists too hard.
Their punishments were delivered in a different room or out here behind the center where no one can hear them. New employees were also warned to keep quiet if they wanted to keep their jobs.
Some tried to help, but fear made them look the other way. Eli heard that it was done behind Lita's back, though he was not sure.
While listening, Gray does not know how to react. He wanted to burst in anger, but he controlled his reaction and kept his face gentle for Eli. The boy kept watching him to see his reaction, so he had to be careful.
