Before the woman could even respond, Carl nodded, managing a calm response. “Yes, it was just an unfortunate accident. I got startled and spilled my water.” He gave a meaningful glance towards the boy and his mother, ensuring his message was clear.
The mother, now dabbing at her wet clothes with a towel, avoided Carl’s gaze, her earlier defiance replaced with embarrassment. The boy sat quietly, no longer kicking, perhaps pondering the direct result of his earlier actions.