I'm sure you did... [Actually, he wasn't sure. This was a very strange but familiar dynamic. But he was mostly sure he was the one doing the not-listening most of the time.]

[Arguing with Youth was pointless, Bell decided. It went around in circles. It was probably better to change direction and try to cut him off at the pass.]

I'm "working out" my mind. But here's a challenge for you: sit still and stay quiet for the duration of...oh, the rest of this book, and I'll give you a hug, hm?