He had not been pressed to explain something he couldn’t identify.

Later, with the team’s agreement, she helped him speak about it in his room.

He wanted me nearby.

I sat where he could see me and promised to remain quiet while he answered.

Victor wasn’t present for that conversation.

Dana put the notebook aside rather than holding it open like a test.

“You don’t have to make your mother happy with an answer,” she told Noah.

“Or your father.