Gemotions

The email’s subject line screamed at him. Mr. Abernathy. The man who made him memorize endless facts that he forgot as soon as the test was over. The man who belittled his questions. His daughter, Lily, was going to be in his class.

He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him feeling lightheaded and weak. He dropped his phone, the sound echoing in the sudden silence of the room. His hands began to tremble uncontrollably, and he felt a wave of nausea wash over him.

He sank into a chair, his body feeling heavy and leaden. He looked at the photograph of Lily, her bright, innocent smile. He had to protect her. He needed to find a way to shield her from a repeat of his own unhappy experience.