There's always the option of hating her mom for being stubborn and close-minded. That's generally a popular theme in Verity's life. But it somehow seems inappropriate now, even if it's true. Why are factual truth and moral rightness so often opposed?

She doesn't mind sitting quietly with him. His company peaceful to her. Yes, she knows, she has very strange taste in friends.

"Not something either of us is really good at," she points out with a fond tone. "I guess. I guess I wanted to hear that it's okay to say that she's an adult and can decide for herself. But it's not a very popular opinion around here." There had been yelling, and someone she trusted got so angry he walked away from her. She's feeling even less certain of herself than usual.