Gemotions

Michael leaned against the cool brick wall of the school building, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows. He listened as Mr. Henderson, the principal, explained the new teacher assignments. “And for your son, David, he’ll be in Ms. Rodriguez’s class.” Michael simply hummed in acknowledgement, his weight shifting slightly from one foot to the other.

A memory surfaced: Ms. Rodriguez was his history teacher. He pictured her in his mind, her sharp wit, her engaging lessons. A faint smile touched his lips as he thought back on his history grades.

“That sounds… ideal," he said, his voice level. He wasn’t in a hurry. He took a deep breath, savoring the late afternoon air. The breeze whispered through the nearby trees.