Alex just gets quiet for a moment, and Paul whispers something to her again. It’s a sort of protective instinct for the both of them, honestly not wanting to draw any more ire from an adult even if Azem hadn’t been being mean or anything! But sometimes adults were adults. And sometimes adults weren’t good.

As a concession to both Paul and Azem, the next strawberry that she picks is nibbled at delicately, in what she thinks are lady-like manners. At her last home the mother there liked in when Alex had lady-like manners, so she’s hoping that the same sort of thing applies. It would be nice if it did, but Alex doesn’t know for sure.

A little uncertainly, but extremely hopefully Alex just asks: “can it be chocolate with rainbow sprinkles? I love rainbow sprinkles!”