It only takes a second before James' shoulders tense. Maybe she's just trying to be nice, maybe she's just doing what all adults do— watching out for him. He never really noticed how much adults do it, not until his mama and daddy have been gone, anyway. Or maybe she's saying it 'cause it's obvious, maybe James isn't really being a big boy anymore. That thought is enough to pull his shoulders up close to his ears, his back hunched over as his hand slips and the pen drags down the clean sheet of paper, tearing up fibers as it goes. Needing to start over, James simply stares down, his expression blank, before he smooths the paper out with a hand, ink smearing against his palm. Can't even do this right, he thinks to himself, heels kicking against the stairs once more.

"He took their money. My pa's. My mama gave it to him," James says softly, taking a shallow breath.