Gemotions

The air around him suddenly felt heavy, thick. He remembered the musty smell of the school, the same scent of old books and chalk dust. He saw Ms. Rodriguez's name on the classroom door and his blood ran cold.

He had spent so many years trying to distance himself from his childhood, trying to leave it behind. The sight of her brought it all rushing back: the anxieties, the disappointments, the feeling of not being good enough.

He felt a tightness in his chest. He took a deep breath, fighting to keep his face composed.