374 - From the ashes: Embarrassment, and patience

Jason was pushed into the spotlight made of many curious eyes. But they softened at the sight of the boy. After all, who would want to frighten a child?

Jason looked at the mostly curious smiles directed his way, and turned back to his mother. The latter encouraged him with a smile:

"Go on. You can start by introducing yourself first."

Jason turned back to the waiting crowd, and breathed. Then he was ready to start:

"Hello everyone. I'm Jason Peak, and I am six years old…" Jason paused, and nodded, as if to himself: "I will be seven this year."

Before the crowd could marvel at the polite young boy, they were flabbergasted by his name, and his age, bringing a halt to the well-meaning laughter that had been about to ring. And combining those with what Evelyn had said, introducing the boy as her son, the conclusion most managed to reach in the next second was so exciting that their hearts started racing.