He tipped his head, and hoped his surprise didn't show through. Clarence gave off such an impassive vibe sometimes that he didn't expect much to affect him. But of course things did.

Elliott reached out a hand for his friend's shoulder. "That's normal, I think. I know whenever my mom's yelled at me, I feel pretty stupid and guilty- and yeah, a little scared sometimes, because I don't know what she's going to do or say next. Is that the first time either of them have yelled at you?"