But T.J. did not follow immediately. He remained standing in the middle of the compound, his face puzzled and undecided. I had never seen him look more desolately alone, and for a fleeting second I felt almost sorry for him.


—Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,

Mildred D. Taylor


What is the author’s tone toward T. J. in this passage?


? angry

X anxious

? excited

? pitying