[he steps quickly to the side, bringing up an arm to protect himself; the bowl connects and he flinches, but it just glances off to the side, mostly harmless. a glance at the boy melts away any irritation he might have mustered over that attack, and he takes advantage of that moment of misery to take long strides up to him and then duck down onto one knee, reaching out to gently take his shoulders in hand]
It'll be okay. ...Whatever it is -- it's going to be okay. I promise.