Redhawk Caldera Houston, we have a problem

Despite the stranger's words of comfort, Wildfire shrank beneath his ministrations. But she didn't pull away entirely. She simply didn't have the wherewithal to put up a fight or otherwise withdraw. She remained like a floppy rag doll, allowing him to place his ear close to her to monitor her breathing. Wildfire flinched slightly when he began to lick her nose, though she soon grew still again, save for the slight trembling that accompanied her sobbing.

Gradually, she began to feel a little better. Her eyes stopped streaming, dripping instead. The painful stinging on her face subsided. The helpful stranger had removed the blood caked around her nostrils. Wildfire hiccuped, then sighed, her crying tapering away and then ceasing altogether. She still shivered somewhat, especially when her golden eyes took in her helper's appearance properly for the first time. She was too young to be judgmental, yet his shabby looks disquieted the young child.

"Where's mama 'n' duddy?" Wildfire asked when she finally found her voice. She frowned, fighting against an urge to begin crying again. Why hadn't her parents come to rescue her? Why hadn't anyone but this homely stranger come to her aid? Feeling abruptly bereft, she began to whimper, then wail again.