“It's fine. I'm good,” he finally said. 

“Thank you sir. Liam, leave…” she began but Noah cut in,

“I said it's fine. Let him be.”

“Yes sir,” the teacher said, unsure if she heard correctly. Seeing her still standing there, Noah gestured her to leave and she did so immediately. 

“My baby boy. Let's round up the competition and I'll see you after that, okay?”

“Okay daddy!”

Noah finally stood up and led Liam back to where he was to ...