Gemotions

The school newsletter lay crumpled in the bin. A sharp inhale, a barely controlled exhale. *Mr. Carter.* He could still picture the man's severe face, the way his voice seemed to carry a constant disapproval. The same man, now, would be teaching his daughter, Olivia.

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture rough. He had worked so hard to put his own difficult childhood behind him, and now it was back, staring him in the face. A dull ache spread through his chest. He wanted to scream.

He had promised himself a better life for Olivia, a life free from the constraints and judgments he had endured. He slumped into a chair, feeling the weight of that promise, the fear of failing her.