Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee

“What about you?”
    Jackson shrugged. “Same as you. Things.”
    Â 
    When the class returned from recess, the blackboard was filled with fears. Bobby was surprised to see so many. Mrs. Carlson had written …

    And the list went on.
    â€œI think it’s great that you were able to identify your fears,” Mrs. Carlson told the class. “These are all very real and very valid worries. So many times there are things we are afraid of, but we don’t talk about them, and that could actually make it seem worse. Some of these fears you can do something about. Others, you may just have to face.
    â€œFor example, I know that many of you are nervous about the musical. Singing and dancing in front of a lot of people can be frightening. But the more you practice, the easier it will be. I’ve also heard that if you imagine everyone in the audience is just wearing their underwear, they won’t seem so scary.”
    Bobby and the rest of the class howled with laughter. It was funny to hear a teacher say “underwear,” and imagining a room full of people in their underwear was even funnier.
    Mrs. Carlson continued, “If you’re worried about global warming, then maybe you can help try to stop it. You may not be able to do this single-handedly, but just knowing that you are part of the solution may make you feel better. Does anyone else have some ideas on how to cope with any of these fears? You don’t have to say which one is yours.”
    Jillian Zarr raised her hand. “If you are afraid of clowns, then don’t go to the circus.”
    â€œThat’s good thinking,” Mrs. Carlson said. She pointed to Swoozie next.
    â€œIf you don’t want to go to Principal Coun’s office, then you shouldn’t do anything bad,” Swoozie said, looking at St. James. “Oh, and I’m scared of robbers. One of our lawn gnomes was stolen a couple weeks ago, and in the middle of the day too!”
    Bobby’s eyes grew big when he heard this.
    â€œYou should carry a dart gun and a cage to capture the small animals with sharp teeth,” Jackson said. “Plus always bring bait, like a pepperoni pizza.”
    As the class discussed everyone’s fears, Bobby waited for someone to come up with a solution to his. But nobody did.
    â€œAnd so, remember,” Mrs. Carlson said at last. “Talk to someone about your worries. Don’t let them grow inside of you. Find someone you trust and share how you feel. You’d be surprised at how just talking can make you feel better.”

C asey whacked her brother over the head with Wandee II, her new wand. “Bobby, wake up!”
    Bobby groaned and buried himself deeper under his covers. Was it Wednesday already? Mr. Rainerhaus had probably recovered from his food poisoning, and that meant there would be PE today. Maybe it would be best just to stay in bed and avoid Wednesday altogether.
    After a while it grew quiet. Good , Bobby thought, Casey has left . It was getting stuffy under the covers. But when he came up for air … SPLASH!
    â€œCasey!” Bobby yelled. “Why did you do that?”
    â€œDo what?” Casey smiled sweetly as she tried to hide an empty water glass behind her back. “Mommy told me to wake you up. Now get up, Bobby Bobby Bobby!!!”
    â€œHey, sleepyhead,” Mrs. Ellis-Chan said when Bobby finally made it downstairs to breakfast. “Since when did you start taking showers in the morning?”
    â€œI didn’t take a shower,” Bobby growled. “It was raining in my room.”
    Casey giggled.
    â€œGot some cream-of-wheat waffles for you right here,” his father said, placing a plate of charred blobs in front of him.
    Bobby glanced at Annie, who was shaking her head and mouthing, “Don’t eat them.” She was wearing her football helmet and a jersey. He used to wonder why she wore it every day. Now Bobby realized why. If he could