Gemotions

The thought of going to the back-to-school night made Emily’s chest tighten. She felt the familiar weight of anxiety settling in. It was a chore she couldn’t bring herself to avoid. She didn't want to go. She dreaded the small talk, the forced smiles, the pretense of enthusiasm.

As she entered the third-grade classroom, she saw the nameplate on the teacher's desk: Miss Evans. Her heart sank. Miss Evans. The same Miss Evans who had given her detention for talking out of turn. The same Miss Evans who'd made her feel stupid and ashamed.

The room seemed to shrink. The other parents' chatter became a dull hum. She remembered the way Miss Evans’ voice could slice through the air, and she found herself wanting to run. She stared out the window, wishing she was anywhere else.