“Gabriel.” Anthony wonders if he should have given the boy the mug after all; he is so unsteady, and the possibility that he might spill tea all over himself seems high. But now he is clinging to the mug as if his life depends on it, and there is no taking it away from him.

Anthony isn’t sure what to make of what Gabriel says; he isn’t making a lot of sense. It’s as though the words are trapped in his throat, and Anthony wonders if he requires some kind of permission to let them free.

“Tell me."