Painfully Shy.

Bertram shifted in his seat . It was uncomfortable, one of those chairs that have something poke-y in the back that can't be identified. Beads of sweat began to form on his brow. His hands started to tremble slightly. His throat felt like it had sandpaper in it. Hot sandpaper. He could barely stand the idea of anyone staring at him or listening to him or knowing he was even alive.

Finally, in a quavering voice, he spoke as he raised his hand.

"May I please use the men's room?"