He continued to message Avery. 'Ms. Brown said she sent you a message last night about having me give a speech on stage today. Why didn't you tell me? I didn't prepare anything. What am I supposed to say later?'

'We got into an argument, so we went to sleep early. I only noticed her message this morning.'

'What should I say later?'

'Whatever you feel like saying!'

'I can't think of anything.' It was the first time Elliot had attended a parents' meeting and he had no past experience to refer