He continued to message Avery. 'Ms. Brown said she sent you a message last night about having me give a speech on stage today. Why didn't you tell me? I didn't prepare anything. What am I supposed to say later?'

'We got into an argument, so we went to sleep early. I only noticed her message this morning.'

'What should I say later?'

'Whatever you feel like saying!'

'I can't think of anything.' It was the first time Elliot had attended a parents' meeting and he had no past experience to refer to; if it was a company meeting and he was asked to say whatever he felt like saying, he wouldn't be as troubled as he was at the moment.

'Just give your gratitude to the teachers and thank them, then encourage the parents to work together and assist the teachers to educate their children...'

'Don't you think that's too corny? I hate saying things that sound rich but mean nothing in truth.'

'Then go brainstorm on your own! You can get started on a draft now.'

Elliot replied to her with a mot