Gemotions

“Dad, you’re not going to embarrass me, are you?” Liam had pleaded as they arrived at the back-to-school night. The thought of Ms. Henderson, his fifth-grade teacher, triggered a wave of anxiousness in Paul. He recalled the incident when he had tried to convince his class that he knew how to play the bagpipes, and how she'd called him to the front.

He forced a smile. He was determined not to ruin his son’s evening. He kept quiet while Ms. Henderson welcomed the parents, keeping his head down.

When she announced a craft project and needed volunteers, he tensed. He made a hasty exit as soon as he could, making an excuse that he had forgotten something.