"You hurt, young man?" an elderly woman leaned over to peer at him. "What were you doing?"

"He tried something and fell," Pranthi said. "Just needs to catch his breath."

The kid started laughing, so the old woman walked on. He rolled to his feet with an ease that made Pranthi's hand tighten with envy. He sat down beside her and rubbed his knee.

"Sad day when I'm being fussed over by an old lady and a cripple," he said. "You aren't going to bust me?"

"Why should I? ...