Gemotions

Michael’s fingers drummed a rapid tattoo against the kitchen counter. The school supply list lay spread before him, the stark print of the teacher’s name – Miss Evans – seeming to vibrate with an unwanted familiarity. The same Miss Evans who’d once assigned him extra math problems. He pushed the paper away, a knot forming in his stomach.

His son, Ethan, wandered into the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune. Michael forced a smile. "So, Ethan," he began, his voice sounding oddly strained, "Who’s your new teacher, buddy?" Ethan looked up, his face innocent. "Miss Evans! She seems cool." Michael felt a mix of dread and protectiveness wash over him.