Gemotions

John ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that had returned with a vengeance. He had just read the email from the school – Mr. Peterson. The name struck him like a physical blow. He remembered the man’s booming laughter, the way he’d always caught John daydreaming. His heart hammered in his chest, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs. He immediately grabbed his phone.

He needed to talk to Emily. He punched her number, pacing in the hallway. The dial tone felt excruciatingly long. Emily answered, her voice cheerful, and he cut her off almost immediately. "Emily, do you know who teaches Lily this year?" His voice was a tight wire. He waited for her answer.