How I Became Immortal
He replied curtly, “I don’t see a reason why I should be telling you my age, but since I’m curious about your age, I’ll tell you. I’m 13 years old.”
His words were prickly, and she could sense that he didn’t like small talk. She didn’t want to bother him, but the silence was too awkward. She replied in a friendly tone, “Wow, we’re only one year apart. I’m 12 years old. Do you prefer it if I use a formal way of speaking?” He looked like he didn’t believe her at all. She looked too much like a kid. His reply was short, “Whatever you like.” She made up her mind, “I’ll just keep speaking to you formally. Do you usually take naps in the forest?”