[There's a sinking feeling in Riley's gut as he realizes that Maxson probably didn't have much choice in it. He was a symbol from the day he was born. Is this something he actually wanted? Or did he feel like he couldn't let everyone down, that he had a duty, despite how young he was?
And now Riley can't help but think about Shaun, too. What was his childhood like? He was captured as part of a science experiment. He loves the Institute, believes strongly in them, in what they can do. He seems happy with his job; Riley is pretty sure it's something he wanted. The Institute gave Shaun a freedom that Maxson didn't.
"A very skilled warrior," Anthony says, but all Riley wants to reply is, "he was just a kid."]
That's a lot of weight to carry, [he says quietly.]
no subject
And now Riley can't help but think about Shaun, too. What was his childhood like? He was captured as part of a science experiment. He loves the Institute, believes strongly in them, in what they can do. He seems happy with his job; Riley is pretty sure it's something he wanted. The Institute gave Shaun a freedom that Maxson didn't.
"A very skilled warrior," Anthony says, but all Riley wants to reply is, "he was just a kid."]
That's a lot of weight to carry, [he says quietly.]