Noah followed Quentin reluctantly, his ears red. He looked at Mr. Meijer and then quickly looked down. He should probably say something, but he was afraid that Mr. Meijer would see him like a beggar and would fire him, and he found himself unable to speak. He chewed on his lower lip.

As they approached Uriel, Noah following Quentin so uncomfortably, it had to look as if a kid was brought home to be reported to his parents by a person who had caught him doing something illegal.