Gemotions

The children's laughter. That was all it took. The bouncy castle, the music, the shrieks of joy. Then came the dreaded knock. It was Mr. Davies, and she knew the drill.

She managed a weak smile, but her voice cracked as she apologized. He wasn't overtly angry, just…disappointed. His face said it all. His words were few, but they cut deep.

She rushed back inside, ordering the music silenced and the children to quieten down. She watched them deflate, their play interrupted. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, a feeling she could barely define.