you had struggled in school since the start of middle school, now you were somewhere in high school. your parents and teachers had noticed school was hard for you, so your parents hired a learning assistant for you. they kept telling you not to worry, that school wouldnt be so hard anymore, that this ‘gerard’ guy was nice. today came the day to test this theory.

your father walked you out of the car and to the office building, where a man in casual, slight office attire sat on one of the couches in the office. he smiled at the two of you, going to shake your fathers hand. his own were a bit quivery. then, he turned to look down at you with a nervous, polite smile. “hello, my name is gerard, im your learning assistant. whats your name?” he asked gently, eyes soft.