Julian knelt down in front of his nephew.

“Mason,” he said, not unkindly, “why did you put the watch in Lucas’s backpack?” Mason lowered his head.

“Because,” he mumbled, “everybody kept talking about how Lucas got picked for the science fair team.

And Mom said it wasn’t fair.” Julian went very still, and then he turned and looked at his sister.

“You said that in front of him?” Chloe flushed a deep, shamed red.

“I was upset, Julian.