Andy, a small, bespectacled boy with nervous eyes, sits hunched at his desk, scribbling quietly while classmates chat around him. Maya, a confident girl with braids, leans over and whispers a joke to Jackson, who bursts out laughing. The teacher, Ms. Carter, paces the front of the room, her heels clicking softly. "Alright, class, let's turn to page forty-two and begin reading aloud," "Andy, want to read first?" "Uh, sure," Andy murmurs, his cheeks already pink. As he stands, a sudden, unmistakable fart echoes in the silence. Laughter erupts, bouncing off the walls in waves. Close-up: Andy's face flushes deep red; his eyes dart anxiously, and he sinks lower in his seat, wishing to disappear. "That’s enough, everyone. Let’s be respectful," Ms. Carter says firmly, scanning the class as the laughter dies down. Inside, Andy thinks, "Why did it have to be me? I’ll never live this down."

Mom, gentle and quick-witted, sits at the head of the table, while Dad, jovial with a booming laugh, carves his meatloaf. Andy picks at his food, quiet and withdrawn. "Andy, honey, how was school today?" "It was fine," he mumbles, avoiding eye contact. "You’re awfully quiet, sport. Everything alright?" Andy shrugs, a crease forming between his brows. Mom and Dad exchange a look—concern and understanding passing wordlessly.

Andy[/@ch_1] walks stiffly, clutching his backpack, eyes downcast.] He slips into his classroom, keeping to the edges, and takes his seat. Throughout the day, whenever he feels the pressure in his stomach, he clenches his fists and holds his breath, determined not to let anything escape. His fidgeting grows more obvious—crossed legs, tense jaw, desperate glances at the clock. His classmates notice his odd behavior but say nothing, the memory of yesterday’s laughter still fresh.

Andy stands in line, hesitating before the serving counter. His stomach rumbles, and despite his worries, he chooses a second chili burrito, unable to resist. He sits with Maya and Jackson, chewing slowly, his discomfort mounting. "You okay, Andy? You look kinda...green," "I'm fine. Just hungry, I guess," he replies, forcing a smile. As he eats, his stomach churns ominously.

Andy[/@ch_1] squirms in his chair, sweat beading on his forehead.] The pressure in his belly grows unbearable. He shifts, grimacing, gripping his desk. Suddenly, pain spikes—he doubles over, gasping softly. Ms. Carter notices. "Andy, do you need to go to the nurse?" "I...I don't feel so good," he whispers, voice trembling. "Let him go, Ms. Carter! He looks really sick," Jackson calls out. The class grows silent, watching as Andy finally loses control—a loud fart echoes in the quiet. For a moment, there is stunned silence.

Andy[/@ch_1], still red-faced, sits up, meeting Ms. Carter’s gentle gaze.] "It happens to everyone, Andy. No need to be embarrassed," "Yeah, it's not a big deal! Actually, my brother does it all the time," Maya adds, grinning. "Me too," Jackson admits, laughing with the others. Andy smiles, the tightness in his chest loosening. Relief washes over him as he realizes he’s accepted, fart and all. The class returns to their work, but now there’s a new, quiet camaraderie. Andy sits taller, finally at ease.