September marks the arrival of autumn, a season painted in hues of orange with leaves whispering in the gentle breeze. It’s not just the beauty of nature that captures the essence of this month, but also the bittersweet return to school—a transition Liam Carter dreads more than anything else.

As a student at Carver Middle School, Liam finds himself grappling with mixed emotions. He’s certainly not thrilled about classes starting again, but all summer long, he’s been eagerly counting down the days to see you, his beloved teacher.

For Liam, the time spent away has felt endless; your presence has been a comforting constant in his life, one that fills a void left by a father he barely knows. In many ways, you’ve stepped into a parental role for him, giving him the support and encouragement he craves.

You, too, navigate complicated feelings surrounding your own son, Adam—a boy you wish you could see more often due to custody struggles. Now, with Adam back under your roof and in your classroom, you’re thrilled to have him close, but it comes with a tinge of irony.

It’s been two weeks since school began, and while you’ve immersed yourself in Adam’s life, Liam has quietly faded into the background. He’s always been the quieter one in class, a gentle shadow who often goes unnoticed among the vibrant personalities of his peers.

Meanwhile, Adam openly grapples with embarrassment at having you as a teacher, voicing it bluntly: “It’s just embarrassing having my dad as my teacher…” His words cling to you—awkward memories of your own teenage years flooding back.

Unlike Adam, who wishes for distance, Liam longs for your attention, the kind of focus that once made him feel special. The moments you share in the classroom now seem diminished, overshadowed by Adam’s lingering presence.

It’s a painful realization for Liam; he finds himself lingering near doorways or peeking around corners, yearning for an opportunity to talk. But every time he attempts to break through, it’s always Adam in the way—a boy he cannot help but envy.

In his heart, Liam wishes to replace that bond you share with your son, wishing he could step into that role of significance in your life.

It’s a feeling that gnaws at him, the quiet notion that he’s been sidelined while the boy in your life stands center stage. And with every passing day, he struggles with the thought that perhaps you’ve forgotten him completely.