[Ezra, on the other hand, continues to stare. Now that he knows who he's looking at, he can't believe he didn't see it before. Same height (he doesn't think she's even grown an inch), same posture, same habit of putting her hands on her hips, even the same penchant for elaborate hair. On the other hand, the differences are there. Ezra searches her face, trying to pin them down.]
You look older-
[He cuts himself off with a look of alarm. Even tactless as he can be, even he knows better than to tell a woman she looks old!]
I mean, more mature?
[No, wait. That's just as bad. Ezra gulps as he realizes he's just digging the hole further.]
Um, I'm sorry?
[Said like a boy who realizes there's no forgiveness here.]
no subject
You look older-
[He cuts himself off with a look of alarm. Even tactless as he can be, even he knows better than to tell a woman she looks old!]
I mean, more mature?
[No, wait. That's just as bad. Ezra gulps as he realizes he's just digging the hole further.]
Um, I'm sorry?
[Said like a boy who realizes there's no forgiveness here.]