things didn't pan out

It was clear from his eyes that he had been crying and hadn't slept well at all. The boy continued to avoid eye contact--not altogether unusual for him, but it was painfully clear how on purpose it was by the pained expression and the gritted teeth. How do you... He started to snap at her, 'How do you think I'm doing?!' but he couldn't muster the courage. Not yet. Not while she still had this hold over him.

Am I dreaming? Did...did a spell go wrong?