August dislikes school events involving parents because the unfamiliar adult eyes inevitably fixate on him, making him feel like an uncomfortable center of attention.
The Uncomfortable Gaze
Unlike the children at school who have grown accustomed to his appearance, parents attending school events haven't had the same exposure. This difference leads to a particular discomfort for August:
- Unfamiliarity: Parents' eyes are not "used to" August in the way their kids' eyes are by that point in the school year. This makes their gaze feel more intense and unusual.
- Magnetic Attraction: August describes this phenomenon using a vivid analogy:
- He feels like the "North Pole."
- The parents' eyes are like "compasses."
- Just as a compass needle always points north, all the parents' eyes seem to gravitate towards him, no matter where he is or what they are doing.
This constant, involuntary focus from the adults creates a strong sense of unease, which is why August prefers to avoid events where parents are present. He feels perpetually scrutinized, unable to blend in or simply be, because he becomes the immediate focal point of their collective attention.
