"It's better you admit it then make dumb mistakes." Joel's tone was slightly accusing, although more coaching. He would truthfully rather someone say they didn't know how to do something than try and fake it -- most especially when it came to weapons. There was no room for pride with a loaded pistol.

"They ain't toys. You got to respect what they are and what they can do. You got that?" It probably sounded like some nonsense an old man would say but it was the goddamned truth, that was. He'd seen it all too many times. These young people picking up guns for a handful of ration cards thinking they could take on anything, only to get themselves or their friends killed (or worse). Joel moved to where he was standing more to the side of the young man and he showed him, without speaking, how to flip the safety on and off of this model of pistol they were going to practice with.