Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, warming Amelia's face as she packed Leo's lunch. A soft hum escaped her lips as she arranged the apple slices just so. This was going to be a good year. She'd known it the moment Mrs. Gable's name flashed on the welcome email from the school.

Amelia grabbed Leo's backpack, her fingers practically dancing over the zipper. Mrs. Gable. That woman had been an absolute gem, patient and kind, shaping her own love of reading in second grade. Leo was so lucky! She could barely contain herself when she saw Leo walking into the classroom on the first day, grinning widely.

"Remember what I said, be kind, be yourself," Amelia called out as Leo skipped along. A lightness filled her as she waved goodbye, a feeling that stayed with her all morning.