Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, bathing everything in a warm glow. Sarah hummed along to the upbeat pop song on the radio as she packed her daughter Lily's lunch. A wide smile played on her lips as she carefully placed a heart-shaped sandwich in the pink lunchbox. The thought of Lily starting second grade filled her with a lighthearted feeling.

"Mom, I'm ready!" Lily chirped, bouncing into the kitchen, her pigtails swinging.

"Almost, sweetie!" Sarah said, ruffling Lily’s hair, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. Then, she noticed the teacher's name on the list taped to the fridge. "Mrs. Davies? Wow, that's… interesting." A wave of bubbly nostalgia washed over her. It was the same Mrs. Davies who had taught her! The very same woman who had helped her learn to read.