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Zoe purses her lips, and for a few moments she glances down at the countertop strewn with old receipts.

"I think—in the scheme of things—you're not wrong," she says eventually, clearing her throat as she meets your eye again. "Mitch didn't deserve to get stolen from, but I know he isn't worried about the paintbrushes themselves. He's accepted Tobias's apology, and he's happy with that. But the thing is, the paintbrushes aren't the only factor. To Tobias, it was quite a big deal. He didn't want to be involved in the stealing, and he felt guilty that he chose to do it anyway. He was upset because he thought he should have grown up beyond that sort of thing. I don't think anybody should beat themselves up about anything; mistakes will always happen, and it isn't good for anybody to drown themselves in guilt. That's true for you as well, Huknock—I don't want to make you feel guilty. But I think it is important to try and learn from moments like these. Tobias has realized he doesn't want to be swayed by others into compromising his values. And I think, if you are Tobias's friend, you should take this opportunity to think about what it means to respect your friends' feelings—and accept that something may be a big deal to somebody else, even if it isn't to you. We can all learn at times. We can decide how we want to grow."

Zoe watches you for a couple more moments, and then lets her gaze fall back to the counter. You get the sense that it wasn't easy for her to speak to you the way she just did; and it seems as if she may be about to change the subject while you carry on waiting. But then, you see her blink, and look back at you as if another thought has just occured to her. Slowly, she lets out a breath—and says:

"You know—after everything I've just said, I think I ought to live up to my own words. So I want to offer you an apology, Huknock. When we met at the Town Meeting on your first night in Silvertree, I think I was a little…cold, possibly, towards you. And I am sorry for that. I'm afraid I can't really offer you an explanation that would make a lot of sense, and I don't want to go into too much detail, since it wouldn't be fair to put all of this old business on you. But to be frank, your grandmother and I never quite saw eye-to-eye when we were neighbors. In hindsight, I think a lot of that was down to me—but when she moved away from Silvertree, there was definitely some bad feeling between both of us. And when Maxie introduced you again the other week, I think part of me couldn't help projecting some of those unpleasant feelings onto you. If I made you feel unwelcome at all, I apologize. I was being far too overprotective of Tobias, and it wasn't fair to assume anything without getting to know you. Come to that, it wasn't fair for me to assume anything about your grandmother, either. If I get the chance to see her, then I think I'd like to apologize to her as well. But—for now, at least, Huknock—just know that I'm sorry for how I acted. And it does no good lecturing you about being accountable if I can't try to do the same myself."

Just then, a bell rings as the front door opens, and you hear Maxie's voice call out:

"We got it—all the yard crap you could ever want!"

As they come into view, red-faced and grinning, you see that they're holding what looks like two heavy sacks of fertilizer in their arms. Behind them, Tobias is holding a bucket full of some shining new gardener's tools.

After thanking them both, Zoe takes what Tobias is carrying from him, and she and Maxie (who gives you a cheerful hello) take everything into the back. Tobias, wiping his sweating forehead, smiles at you and says:

"Sorry we took longer than I said—there was a really big line. Thanks for meeting me here, though! Are you ready to go?"

Before you can answer, Maxie puts their head out through the rear door.

"I hope all's good with you, Huknock! I'm sorry I can't stop to talk; too much to do. You two have a nice time, okay?"

They wave before ducking back inside, and a moment later Zoe's voice follows:

"Yes, do! We'll both be here if you need to find us, okay, Tobias?"

"Okay mom," Tobias replies, gritting his teeth slightly; but when neither of his parents say anything else, he raises his their eyebrows, and after a moment seems a little relieved. You get the feeling he's used to Zoe and Maxie being a little more protective of him, and it's good to feel that they're easing off just a bit.

Turning to you, he let out a sigh—and then, smiling once again, gestures towards the door.

"We'd better get there quick; it looked pretty busy when we went by."

Together, you head for the doors and back out onto the main street, which has filled up even more with people since you were last outside. Without delay you make your way across the street towards Skippy's Coffee shop, which sure enough looks to be even busier than ever thanks to the sign by the door promising fresh lemonade and iced tea. Stepping through the door joining the line at the counter right away, you start looking around for the person you're here to meet.

Then, from over by the window, you see Rana waving to you. You wave back in reply—and once you've gotten something to drink, you weave between the tables and go to join her where she's sitting.

"Hi, Huknock!" she says as you take a seat with your drink of choice: