“Hello,” I said gently. “What’s wrong?”
Through tears, he replied, “I’m afraid the teacher is going to hit me.”
I paused.
“Why do you think the teacher will hit you?”
“Because I forgot my homework book at home.”
“Did you finish your homework?”
“Yes.”
“Then come,” I said. “I’ll walk with you to your class and explain to your teacher that you simply forgot your homework book.”
He shook his head.