Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox like a landmine. Subject: "Welcome to Grade 5, Amelia!" The attached list of teachers. Ms. Peterson. Her eyes flicked over the name again, disbelief battling with a slow, creeping burn.

She stared at the screen for a long moment, the tiny blue glow casting an eerie light on her face. Her breathing became shallow and rapid. It was a joke, a cosmic prank. This had to be.

She threw her phone down on the bed, the action abrupt and violent. The phone bounced off the mattress and landed on the floor with a thud. She kicked at the duvet in frustration. This day was ruined. This entire school year was ruined.