Really? Screaming? He shrugged. It wasn't that bad. But there were definitely some freak-outs on both sides. Though, to be honest, the silence was worse. Worse than screaming? I said. Much, he said, nodding. I mean, at least with an argument, you know what's happening. Or have some idea. Silence is… it could be anything. It's just – So freaking loud, I finished for him. He pointed at me. Exactly.

Just Listen: A Novel (ed. Viking Childrens Books, 2006)