Mindless Chatter

 [Justin] had scarcely been aware of bringing [his instrument case] away with him, it was so much a part of himself; but here it was, and it belonged to the good things of life, the clean and the kindly things—something constant and unchanging to hold on to. He lifted the slim tube of metal and laid it across his knee.

Flavius glanced round. "What is it?"

"Only my instrument case," Justin said, and then as the other gave a sudden splutter of laughter, "Why is that funny?"

"Oh, I don't know. Here we are on the run, with the hunt up behind us and the world falling into shards around our ears, and you bring your instrument case away with you."

"I am still a surgeon, you see."

—The Silver Branch, pg 68

Awww I'm really enjoying this book! I don't know if any of you have read it, but if not you really should! It's set in Roman Britain & features excitement & treachery & secret missions, & the protagonist Justin is the most precious, relatable sweetheart ever :') Anyway, just wanted to share this little quote. Might continue to do that as I read!