[A beat passes. The boy opens his mouth, then closes it. Eventually, he manages:]

Okay, look. Not that I don't appreciate the offer to get out of some unabated chosen ones reluctant hero bullshit free, but...

[...

Despite the obvious difficulty articulating his dilemma--let alone why it might be a dilemma to him--he finds something to say.]

You already let the hell on that something's up with this Esme chick. Zoning out while she's using her powers for evil or whatever isn't my idea of a good untime. So just spit it out, I guess.