[Youth showed up on time, as always, wondering if Stoneface was upset with him. Not only did he clearly lack parenting knowledge and skills, his timing was also off. They were short another person. He should not have asked for time off.
He didn't know for sure why the names bugged him as much as they did. They were as hurtful as 'retarded' had been. Maybe it was because they implied he should not care about Bell, that something was wrong with him for it. And that something was wrong with Bell too. Youth was naturally protective of those he cared about, so that probably added to it.
Pushing aside his own self-doubt, Youth gave Stoneface a cheerful wave in greeting, as normal.]
Hello, Stoneface! I am here. I did not know that you liked this patrol.
QUICKLOG
He didn't know for sure why the names bugged him as much as they did. They were as hurtful as 'retarded' had been. Maybe it was because they implied he should not care about Bell, that something was wrong with him for it. And that something was wrong with Bell too. Youth was naturally protective of those he cared about, so that probably added to it.
Pushing aside his own self-doubt, Youth gave Stoneface a cheerful wave in greeting, as normal.]
Hello, Stoneface! I am here. I did not know that you liked this patrol.