features remained dull, silence hanged
as soon as they spoke. pools of wine clamped
shut && fluttered in between their whining.
lips had fallen into a straightened line, an
obscure intimidation enveloped his normally
amiable presence. yet he humored their 
persevered cry despite feeling annoyance
building gradually inside him.
the boy had a smart mouth.
far too much for his taste.
he was, perhaps, a smaller version
of someone he knew very well.
   ‘ Then let me apologize
on their behalf, assuming that
it could help you ease up a bit. ’
he says rather calmly. purposely
giving his head a tilt to the side.
   ‘ anything else you wish to
say regarding my subordinates? ’