Gemotions

The smell of old books and chalk dust hit Amelia the moment she entered the classroom. It was her daughter, Lily's, new classroom. Identical to the one she'd spent countless hours in, years ago. She'd volunteered to help with the class, hoping to get closer to Lily, but standing here, her throat constricted.

The teacher, Mrs. Davies, greeted her with a warm smile. Amelia found herself staring, mesmerized, as Mrs. Davies launched into the lesson. Amelia remembered *her* Mrs. Davies. Years melted away, and she saw the kind face, the comforting voice. A heavy feeling weighed on her, making it difficult to breathe, each inhale feeling like she was inhaling sand. The familiar rhythm of the classroom, the echoes of her past, threatened to overwhelm her.