Gradually the spell passed.
"Mother--maybe I'm starved," he said, smiling at her.
That practical speech released the strain and inspired his mother to action.

She began to bustle round the kitchen, talking all the while.
Lane watched her and listened, and spoke occasionally.

Once he asked about his sister Lorna, but his mother either did not hear or chose not to reply.

All she said was music to his ears, yet not quite what his heart longed for.

He began to distrust this strange longing.