I didn't bring up the subject until we got back home. I expected the boy to be distracted by the unexpected event, but to my surprise, he seemed to be fully focused on the training. Overall, he did quite decently. Much better than usual, at least.
Only when we were back in the apartment did I decide it was finally time to explain everything to him.
Sitting in my usual spot by the bar counter and smoking a cigarette, I observed the boy as he was preparing dinner, his back facing me. "When you went up the stairs earlier, did you notice anything odd?" I asked.
The boy's shoulder flinched, and he turned around in a rush. "I swear I haven't done anything!" he exclaimed, his eyes open wide in panic.
Seeing his reaction, I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows. "Did I say that I think you did it? Calm down, I don't suspect you of anything." I rolled my eyes in response. "Pay attention to the pan, or the food is gonna burn."