Gemotions

The school pick-up line felt narrower today, the cars closing in. Sarah gripped the steering wheel so hard her knuckles were white. Mr. Henderson? Her son, Leo, would be in *Mr. Henderson’s* class. Panic clawed at her throat.

She hadn't seen the man in twenty years, not since… well, since her own disastrous fifth grade year. A shudder ran through her, a cold ripple that began at her spine. She imagined Leo, small and vulnerable, facing that same stern gaze, the same sharp-tongued criticisms she'd endured.

"Leo!" she called, her voice sounding thin and reedy. He ran towards the car, a bright smile on his face. She forced a smile in return, but the muscles in her face felt stiff, unnatural.