And she was letting him off the hook. Thank God. Mikhail managed a passable smile for her and the little boy. "You're welcome," he said softly. "I'll leave you to yours."
He went back to his case, gathering up the change that had escaped his notice before. After putting away his violin, he turned back to the pair and dropped the change in the boy's hand. There was a couple of dollars there. "For a treat," he told them. "Good-bye."
He started away, not wanting to make this anymore awkward than it was.