Elijah nodded to him and smiled. He glanced at Bram. "If you accidentally got too much, don't force it down. Diane would be happy to take your leftovers." He didn't want the boy to have a stomach ache because he tried to finish his plate.

"I told ye not to be greedy!" Will scolded.
Bram looked up at his brother rebelliously. "Elijah says it's fine!"

Elijah closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Please, no fighting. It is alright. Bram, you didn't mean to take so much and you won't take so much tomorrow morning, will you? Since now you realize it was too much."

Bram looked at Elijah, thought, and then shook his head.
"Ye'r wasting food!" William accused.

Elijah sighed and rubbed the side of his head. He held up a hand to William, hoping he'd understand to give him a moment as he addressed Bram. "Why will you not get less tomorrow?"

"I won't take as much." he said, and he looked at Elijah, frightened.

Elijah looked surprised. "Bram, why are you scared? I promise I'm not going to get mad. I was merely curious. If it was too much today, why would you get the same? You can be honest, it is alright." He spoke softer, trying to make it clear he wasn't upset with Bram. "I promise, there is food. It isn't an issue."

"But I wasn't going to take as much!" he said. He pouted.
"Don't start crying! You're not a baby!" Will criticized mercilessly

Elijah looked between the two. "Alright. I am sorry I misunderstood." He glanced over at William. "It is alright. Bram is allowed to cry. Everyone's allowed to cry if they are upset. I understand now that he isn't. It was my fault not Bram's. Now let us relax and eat. We all have work soon, and I know you both don't want to lose your appetite. "

Bram pouted at Will, but relaxed when Elijah told him it was okay. "Can I feed the cat now?" he asked.
Will was stabbing his egg with his fork.