**Chapter 14: Shadows of Concern**

The walk home from the park was a blur for Jaime, his mind preoccupied with the boy with bruises and the stern figure of his father. Papa seemed to sense that something was wrong, but Jaime didn't want to talk about it. He just wanted to go home and forget what he had seen. But the image of the boy's pleading eyes and the sound of his father's anger lingered in his mind. As they approached their apartment building, Jaime noticed a woman standing in the lobby, chatting with the building manager. She was a kind-looking woman with a warm smile, and Jaime felt a pang of recognition. She looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place her. "Ah, hello, Mrs. Thompson!" Papa exclaimed, as he walked up to the woman. "I didn't know you were back in town." Mrs. Thompson turned to Papa and smiled. "Just got back yesterday, Mr. Jenkins. I've been out of town for a few weeks, and I was just catching up with Mr. Hernandez here on some building news." Jaime's eyes widened as he realized who Mrs. Thompson was. She was a social worker who had helped his family with some issues a few years ago. He remembered her being kind and caring, and he felt a sense of comfort in her presence. As they chatted, Jaime mentioned the park and the children he had met. Mrs. Thompson's expression turned serious, and she asked Papa if she could have a word with him. They stepped aside, and Jaime heard them talking in hushed tones. "...seen some concerning behavior from one of the fathers at the park," Mrs. Thompson said. "I think it might be related to a case I've been working on. I'd like to get your take on it, Mr. Jenkins." Papa's expression turned grave, and Jaime felt a shiver run down his spine. What was going on? Was the boy with bruises in trouble? As they finished their conversation, Mrs. Thompson turned to Jaime and smiled. "Hello, young man. I hear you've been making some new friends at the park. That's wonderful." Jaime nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. Maybe Mrs. Thompson could help him with his concerns about the boy with bruises. As they walked up to their apartment, Papa asked Jaime if he wanted to talk about what was on his mind. Jaime hesitated, unsure if he should share what he had seen. But something about Mrs. Thompson's kind expression made him feel like he could trust her. "Papa, I saw something at the park that made me feel weird," Jaime said, as they entered their apartment. Papa sat down next to Jaime on the couch. "What did you see, Jaime? You can tell me anything." Jaime took a deep breath and told Papa everything – about the boy with bruises, his scary father, and the sound of the loud smack. Papa listened attentively, his expression growing more serious by the minute. When Jaime finished, Papa put his arm around him. "I'm proud of you for telling me, Jaime. We'll do something about it, I promise." Jaime felt a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe, just maybe, he could help the boy with bruises after all. And with Mrs. Thompson and Papa on his side, he felt like he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.