Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis when David saw the teacher’s name: Ms. Peterson. It was like a cruel joke. He’d barely survived her high school history class. Her constant belittling of him had left scars he thought long healed. He could feel a flush creeping up his neck.

He felt the familiar knot forming in his chest as he thought about his son, Daniel, under her tutelage. He felt a need to protect him, to shield him from that sharp, critical eye. He pictured Daniel coming home, defeated.

He considered calling the school, but what could he say? *I can’t let my son be in her class because I wasn’t good enough for her?* He let out a frustrated sigh.