After three days of Anvar moping sullenly and silently around their home, Merianethel gives up on being patient. "Are you still thinking," she asks, having found Anvar slouching on the cushions staring into space and scowling, "or have you moved on to looking grumpy in a corner?" "Mother!" He looks outraged. She hustles him towards the door. "Because you can do both at the Great Library," she says, and by way of a parting dig at Invar, "get your uncle to help you!" She feels a little guilty after he's gone, but not for long.