"We had a misunderstanding, and I would like to resolve it, but Joel is very skilled at avoiding me," Shane said.

"Well, he doesn't want to fix it. So stop bothering him, Gamma," Ael said, sounding annoyed. Shane wanted to say something, but his lips pressed into a thin line as he fell behind, sulking. I glanced back at Beth and saw Tate walking silently beside her. They both looked upset.

We arrived at a restaurant complex and entered a Japanese restaurant of Joe's choice. Shane raced to sit ...