"Stupid!?" Elijah sat up sharply and frowned at him  He put a hand on the boy's shoulder and leaned in a little. "No one is perfect. Some have trouble learning some things faster than others, and everyone will stumble over something."

He shook his head and looked at Bram. "But I swear under God with all sincerity and honesty. I don't think you're stupid at all. You are a curious and bright boy. There is so much in the world you can be good at besides words that it shouldn't be something to be upset about. Reading and writing is important, but you can work on it and don't get upset if it takes a little while. "