***Pride***

Liam's English teacher stopped him after class.

"Hey Liam, wait a second."

He paused at the door. Other students filed past. Backpacks bumping. Voices loud with afternoon energy.

Mrs. Patterson approached. Mid forties. Always wore scarves. Actually cared about teaching instead of just showing up.

"I wanted to ask you something," she said.

"Okay?"

"Your mom. Emma Harrison. The artist." Mrs. Patterson's face lit up. "Is that really your ...