Gemotions

The fluorescent lights hummed, casting a sterile glow over the classroom. Mrs. Miller. The name hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. He felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. The incessant rules, the mind-numbing repetition, the thinly veiled disdain for anything outside the box.

He forced himself to approach. His daughter, Sophia, was laughing. He wanted to yank her away, to shield her from the inevitable disappointment, the stifling conformity. He gave Mrs. Miller a terse nod, the words catching in his throat. He felt the familiar weight of dread settling upon him.