For several silent moments, Percy didn't respond; he kept his head hanging low, picking at this meal, trying to settle his mind and his stomach. Finally, he set his fork down and told her, "Penny, I don't know what to say. For as long as you've known me, this is the way I've been. This is the way I am. And yet, that's not good enough. I'm the one who has to apologize. I'm the one who people think should change. I was relaxed, at least I was a short while ago, before this whole topic came up. I'm not like my brothers." In his mind, Percy thought I'm not like Charlie, and there was an emotional stab in his heart.
Unable to look at Penny, he kept his gaze fixed on a nondescript part of the wall, off to the side. Once or twice he opened his mouth to speak again, but each time, fell silent. If he said anything more, he might drag himself into deeper trouble.