Sun Mote Copse They will feign an expression of sadness

It wasn't unusual for her son to be in a foul mood whenever she crossed paths with him. With his friends he seemed so happy, playful and child-like, but he seemed to darken whenever she crossed his path, like a kid who's been told to do too many chores. When she saw him moping his way back to the den, though, it was clear that whoever had crossed his path earlier had not impressed him much. Niamh was concerned- so she followed him. And he was in such a funk, he didn't even seem to be aware that someone was stalking him, albeit walking 20 metres behind him. 

She entered the den and saw him sprawled on the ground, looking very downtrodden. She moved in and sat down, looking down at her moody boy, and tilted her head to the side. Her natural reaction, to try and cheer someone up, was to pick at them. "Hey kiddo. Why the long face?"