Carl’s polite smile faltered slightly as he caught the boy’s attention. “Hey there, could you please stop kicking my seat? It’s a bit uncomfortable,” he said gently, hoping his tone would convey friendliness rather than frustration.
The boy, with a mischievous glint in his dark brown eyes, seemed to pause at Carl’s voice. For a brief moment, he titled his head and studied Carl with an innocent yet calculating gaze. Had his polite request worked?