The conversation softened, but I did not let the central question disappear.

“Please don’t buy another expensive instrument from a child without verifying an adult has agreed.”

“I won’t,” he said.

“You have my word.”

When we told Noah about the visit, he listened quietly and then asked whether Walter was in trouble.

“He had to undo the purchase,” Owen explained.

“He’s also reviewing how he handles sales.”

“I lied to him,” Noah said.