Gemotions

The kindergarten classroom was overflowing with brightly colored art and sticky-fingered children. She stood in the doorway, suddenly feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Mr. Henderson. His name, a low, ominous rumble in her memory. He had been a tough teacher, critical and quick to reprimand.

She watched as her daughter, Lily, ran towards him, her small face alight with excitement. She felt a pang, a sharp ache in her chest. She remembered Mr. Henderson's comments about her messy handwriting, his impatience with her creative ideas.

She took a step back, suddenly feeling out of place, a stranger in her own child's life. He would notice, wouldn't he? He would see her flaws reflected in her daughter.