“Perhaps,” Anthony says mildly. He could be discussing the weather, except for the concern in his eyes. Anthony has sensed that there are things that Gabriel does not speak of; there is a kind of well of sadness behind his eyes, secrets his carefully side-steps. It is some part of what makes Gabriel intriguing, dreadful as that sounds—he is not entirely knowable.

Now, though, Anthony can see some of what Gabriel keeps hidden, and under his calm, he isn’t entirely sure what to do about it. He watches Gabriel without judgement, waiting to see if the boy will offer more details of his own volition.