Noah pouted his lips and adjusted his posture, looking at Adam with a look of pure conviction. "I am telling you the truth, I really am a genius," he insisted, his voice rising slightly to defend his intellect.
Adam reached over and gave Noah's head a few affectionate, light pats, much like one would do to a stubborn child. "Fine, fine. You are a genius. Whatever you say," Adam replied, his voice dripping with a patronizing tone that he didn't even try to hide.
Noah saw right through the act. He knew Adam was only humoring him to keep the peace.
He let out a sharp "hmmph" and cocked his head to the side, deciding that further argument was a waste of his breath. He turned his attention toward the window, watching the blur of passing buildings, neon signs, and massive billboards as the car sped through the city.
For a long while, the interior of the car fell into a heavy silence. Adam didn't try to start another conversation.
