Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room, but the warmth did not reach Carol’s soul. She’d been staring at the television, but nothing registered. Suddenly, her daughter, Emily, entered, beaming.

“Mom, you won’t believe it! Mrs. Carter is my music teacher!” Carol felt a jolt, like she'd been physically struck. Mrs. Carter. The woman who had told her, flatly, that she had no musical talent. The memory, a bitter taste in her mouth.

Carol managed a weak smile, but her heart was heavy. The thought of Emily subjected to the same judgment, the same crushing criticism, made her feel sick. The room seemed to tilt, the cheerful music from the TV grating on her ears.