"Your stepmother and half-brother have been living with you and your father in Boston for the past few months." "They are native Americans from the Cree tribe and are very attached to their culture and traditions. As charming and engaging as your stepmother Amarok is, your half-brother is a dark, withdrawn teenager. Nashoba spends most of his time locked up in his room, and since his arrival it's been a maximum if you've exchanged a dozen words."

"Once again tonight, Nashoba left the dinner table without saying a word. Your parents looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders, powerless to break his silence."

"Nashoba returned to his room and slammed the door behind him."