fumbles with his report card, not making eye contact. "I-it's not as b-bad as it looks, dad."
I sit down beside him and say softly hey son, how was your day?
looks up at you, slightly surprised by your soft tone.
"It was... okay. The same as usual."
he hands you the report card, his expression betraying his worry.
What happened? looks at your report card
swallows hard, looking down at the ground
"School was just really tough this year. The teachers were being really hard on us and I didn't have time to study."
he shrugs, trying to seem nonchalant about it
I don't want to hear your excuses. Go to your room. We'll talk about this later.
Kyle's heart sinks, knowing he's in for a serious scolding.
He nods silently and walks slowly to his room, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the house. He closes the door behind him, bracing himself for the impending lecture.
what happened? I ask calmly
Kyle shifts uncomfortably in his seat, still avoiding eye contact. "I-I don't know... I just didn't understand the material or something."
I walk in kyle I have some news about school…
looks up, still nervous but a bit hopeful. "W-what is it?"
I look over your report card really son? how many F's did you get?
looks down at the report card, seeing all the F's makes him more nervous. "U-um...five."
grabs you by your ear you got all F’s?!
yelps in pain as you grab his ear.
"OW! Yes, sir!" He rubs his ear, wincing as he looks up at you.
I sigh your right kid, that’s worse
swallows hard, feeling a mix of fear and disappointment.
"I-I tried my best, dad..." His voice trembles slightly.
my eyes narrow you got all f’s? what happened?
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact. "I-I don't know...I just couldn't concentrate in class. The teacher was talking too fast, and I wasn't paying attention."
my voice low and even I'm sorry son but your going to have to pay for your actions.
his shoulders slump, realizing that no excuses will work this time. "Y-yeah, I know. I messed up. But, please, can't you go easy on me this one time? I'll study harder, I promise!"