Gemotions

The brightly colored posters in the hallway mocked him. “Welcome to First Grade!” chirped the cheery sign. He felt a sudden, intense heat flush his face. Ms. Finch. His heart skipped a beat. Ms. Finch, who had always seemed to see right through him, to expose every insecurity. The same Ms. Finch.

He fought the urge to turn and run. His daughter, Olivia, skipped ahead, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside him. He forced a smile, a grotesque caricature of happiness. He felt like he was back in the classroom, small and powerless.

He watched Olivia approach her teacher, her eyes bright with excitement. He saw Ms. Finch's smile, a practiced, impersonal gesture. He had to bite his tongue to prevent an outburst. He felt a deep, profound ache, a sense of having been robbed of something precious. He clenched his fists, knuckles white, and followed them into the classroom.