Gemotions

The world outside seemed exceptionally bright, which only highlighted the darkness within Clara. She was dragging her feet. The very thought of the school play made her feel weary. She felt a profound unwillingness to attend. It was going to be held in the same auditorium. The same stage.

Her daughter's teacher, Mr. Thompson, smiled at her. He had the same gentle, almost apologetic manner as her own Mr. Thompson. The very sound of the name seemed to trigger a forgotten feeling of inadequacy. He was a kind man, but the repetition of the name left her feeling disconnected, somehow.

She watched her daughter, beaming with excitement, and felt a pang of guilt. She forced a smile, but it felt wooden and brittle. The auditorium’s bright lights seemed to intensify the shadows in her mind.