– You Can’t Live Like This! It’s Just Not Right! – Robert Ran Off to His Father’s Room.

This isnt how life should be! Its just not right! Robert burst into his fathers study, his cheeks flushed and fists clenched.

What are you on about now? Why do you think that? Whos put that idea in your head? his father demanded, frustration simmering.

Our school counselor said so, Robert replied, his voice trembling with a mix of outrage and defiance.

Go on, then. Tell me exactly what was said.

Ill show you. Ill go to bed now, and you pretend youre waking me up in the morning.

Whats the point of this? his father grumbled.

Trust me, just do it! Youll understand soon enough.

Fine… Robert, get up now. Its time for school, stop lazing about.

See? Thats it! Thats what I hear every single morning. Parents are supposed to wake their children gently, so we know they care about us. And youre supposed to smile, too!

Let your mother make you smile. I havent got time for this nonsense, his father sighed, staring at his watch.

Dont you love me? Roberts voice cracked.

What the devil are you talking about? his father snapped, temper rising.

Its not rubbish. If you dont want me to treat you poorly when youre old, you ought to show your feelings now. Try waking me again, but properly this time.

All right, all right. Naughty boy, on your feet. Youll be late for school, you know.

Im still sleepy! Robert moaned, snuggling deeper into the covers.

Darling, time to wake up, his father said softly, reaching over to gently stroke Roberts hair before planting a kiss on his forehead.

Hooray! Thats it, I could feel you love me then! Robert grinned, triumphant.

Right, enough mucking about. Lets see how youve done at school.

Not now, Dad. Youve no time anyway, youll be late for work.

Doesnt matter. Oh, whats this? A C in English and another in maths. Splendid.

But I got an A in psychology.

Planning to become a psychologist, are you, my boy? Listen here, son, until you bring those grades up, no more chit-chatting on the phone. Sit yourself down and study until your mother comes home.

Tears welled in Roberts eyes and rolled down his cheeks. His father awkwardly put an arm around him and muttered:

You said you wanted me to smileso here you are, and he forced a crooked smile, trying to make amends.