As he leaned on Miss Verty, he took a deep breath, she smelled good, and it always made him feel better- 'specially when he was nervous.
When Mister Monty smoothed his hair, though, it helped and he squeezed Marrone a little less, trying to return Mister Monty's smile; after all it didn't sound like anything bad, it was just a question.
But then there was the question and he paled. It was why Mummy didn't, couldn't love him. Would they kick him out too? Would they get rid of him if he told them? His arms squeezed so tightly to Marrone it almost hurt, and he bit on his lip, his eyes filling; but he wouldn't cry. No.
His cheeks blew out slightly as he set a very rough look on his face, almost a pout, though determined, even if his brown eyes were wet. "Mister Monty, I never did. But please, don't..." but, try as he might, he couldn't finish. His mummy didn't love him, he didn't know how to vocalize that he didn't want them not to love him too.