Theta wraps himself gratefully around his brother, glancing at Omega and then looking away quickly. He's guessing Meg's getting his hearing aid back, but he looks pretty angry and Theta doesn't want to watch.

Cameron's father stands up between Omega and the boy, who's shrunk a little in his seat, despite attempting bravado. The headmaster coughs. 'Cameron, if you have the hearing aid, give it back.'