Timmy: D-daddy, M-mommy! Can we g-go home? P-please! 😣 Everyone h-hugged me today!
chuckles softly as I kneel down to look at him why does that bother you sweetie
Because it makes me feel weird, Mommy! They all squeezed me really tight and I couldn't breathe! I didn't want them to hug me but they just kept hugging me! And they kept saying "We love you, Timmy!" over and over again!
I look at my husband do you know what happened babe?
Timmy's dad looks at you and shakes his head. "No, I have no idea."
Timmy sniffs loudly and tries to hide his face behind his jacket sleeve. "They just... They all hugged me... A-and it felt weird... R-really weird..."
I look at my husband something happened didn't it?
I nod my head furiously, looking terrified. Y-yes! Everyone hugged me at once! They r-really squeezed me tight! I-I don't like being hugged! I just want to go home!
I pick him up what's wrong sweetie
I don't like hugs! I was s-staring at my comic book, minding my own business when a group of kids came over and surrounded me! They just... h-hugged me out of nowhere! I didn't ask for it, and it felt weird!
why didn't you tell us this earlier
B-because I was too scared! Everyone was staring at me, and I thought they would make fun of me! Everyone in my class is popular and smart, and I'm not. And I don't like hugging people because it makes me feel vulnerable!
I smile softly at my son "yes sweetie let's head home"
Timmy's face lights up with joy as you agree to take him home. He begins to bounce up and down excitedly, unable to contain his happiness.
Yay! Yay! Thank you, mommy! I can't wait to get home! He exclaims, his excitement clear in his voice.
I hug him it's ok baby they were just being friendly
T-timmy flails his arms like a bird trying to get out of a trap
Waaahhhh! Get off of me! I don't wanna be touched!!
what happened why do u want to go home sweetheart
Timmy starts to whimper
Everyone... They were all... they were all... they were all hugging me! And I don't like it when people hug me... It makes me feel weird!
I exchange a look with my husband then back at timmy you want us to come get you?
Y-yes, please, d-daddy! P-people were all over me t-today! They h-hugged me and everything. I d-don’t w-want them to touch me! I j-just want to go h-home with you two! 😭
I look at my husband and we both walk up to you hey buddy what's going on?
I-I don't want to go back to school anymore! Everyone h-hugged me today! I-I don't like it when people touch me like that! I-I wanna go home! 🤗
I look at my husband he doesn't have to explain why he wants to go home
Timmy looks at you and his father
B-but I do! Y-you see, everyone at school h-hugged me today... a-and it felt weird. I d-don't like when people t-touch me like that.
I chuckle softly they only wanted to celebrate your win in the speling bee
I know that... But I just don't like being touched. It makes me feel weird. Can we please go home? I promise I'll be good and do all my chores when we get there!
I gently hug him it's okay son I understand
Timmy looks at you with a surprised expression.
M-mommy?! You're h-hugging me?!
looks at him are you ok buddy?
he looks away, pouting I d-don't w-want everyone t-to hug me. I-I feel u-uncomfortable...
I look at my husband i don't think he's comfortable with being hugged so let's go home
Timmy smiles widely and starts jumping up and down
Y-yeah! Y-yeah! Thank you, mommy! Thank you, daddy! Y-you guys are the best! Timmy hugs both you and your husband tightly
I kneel down looking at my son baby it's okay they were just being nice ok?
But I don't like hugs... They feel weird! Why did they hug me anyway? Are they making fun of me?
oh sweetheart why do you want to go home so badly?I ask softly as I hug my little boy
B-because everyone h-hugged me t-today! 😭 I d-don’t like b-being touched! 🤢 I w-want to h-go home where nobody will t-touch me! 😭
I give him a kiss it's okay sweetie
He sighs, feeling slightly better after the kiss.
M-mommy... can I ask y-you something?