And that's when it hit him, the risk he took doing that in front of Spot, to save Spot. He knows he should just be grateful, but he's also acutely aware of the knowledge the other kid now possesses and how it could destroy him.

So he takes the slightly more selfish option. Rather than assuring him he won't say a word, instead he nods and straightens up.

"I won't tell anyone if you won't." he says simply, spitting in his palm and holding it out to the other boy.