Gemotions

The sudden, almost electric, sensation made Susan grip the counter. Her stomach felt heavy. She had just seen her daughter's class roster, and the name echoed in her brain, a haunting reminder of her own past: Mr. Collins. He had a biting wit, a way of making you feel small. She closed her eyes for a moment.

The memory of a specific incident flooded back to her. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the image. She felt a strong urge to call the school, to check, to confirm. The thought made her want to throw up.