Gemotions

The school newsletter fluttered in Sarah’s hand, the paper crinkling under her tightened grip. *Mr. Henderson, Second Grade.* She blinked, then reread the name, her stomach doing a funny flip. This couldn't be right. There must be another Mr. Henderson. The same one who’d nearly failed her in social studies? The same one who’d called her "chatty"? She let out a frustrated sound, a little huff of air that ruffled the bangs on her forehead. She slammed the newsletter on the counter.

Later, she found herself pacing the kitchen, the hardwood floor groaning under her weight. Her daughter, Lily, skipped into the room, a picture clutched in her hand. “Mommy, look! Mr. Henderson said it was *amazing*!” Lily beamed, oblivious to the storm brewing.

Sarah forced a smile. “That’s…great, sweetie.” But inside, a knot twisted. All the childhood memories flooded back, the ones she had worked to bury. She would have to keep her cool. She had a mission.