Norman's expression grew a little distant when Fred brought up Mother, and he turned to look off towards the house that stood upon the hill.
"She hasn't been feeling very well lately. She spends a lot of time in her room. But she's always been feeble. She's an in-n-nvalid."
Lie. But not exactly a conscious lie. Part of Norman actually believed some of the things he said about Mother. Even though that must have seemed ridiculous to people like Fred and Sam who knew his (and Mother's) secret.
He smiled.
"All sorts of people. I try to keep the teenagers away though. They're bothersome. And they're always trying to break into the house."