no subject

[He stands there as long as it takes him to get his tears under control, shamed by Jae-Ha having to clean him off, but knowing better than to open his mouth when all he'll do is wail like an infant. His arm scrubs at his face until he thinks his face is dry (it isn't), and that his eyes aren't puffy (they are). Then he lowers his hands to his sides, sniffling through his stuffed nose.]

You-- [sniff, and then he continues meekly.] You don't have to... [Another sniff] Father will be upset anyway.

[He wipes at his face again, to be sure the tear stains are gone] ... Wasn't ignoring you. My throat was itchy.