[Compliments, Ven may soon find, are something of a specialty for Van. Particularly those that portray him as the adult that understands. And boys Ven's age are so often misunderstood...]

That's good. It's always best to have friends you can depend on. [A tiny pause.] Were you taking these books somewhere particular? I'll carry them for you. You've been so helpful. It's the least I can do.