“I don’t hate you,” Huio said. “But you can be a pain, younger-cousin. Me, Punio, Fleeta, even Mama Lond. The way you joke can sometimes hurt us.” “I joke with the people I love. It’s how I am.” “Yes, but does it have to be?” Huio asked. “Could you, sure, tease a little less?” “I . . .” Storms. Was it true? Was that how they thought of him? Lopen pasted a smile on and nodded to Huio, who seemed relieved that the conversation had gone so well.
