Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in his hand, sloshing dark liquid onto the table. He'd been looking forward to a relaxing evening. Instead, the news from the parent-teacher portal had sent a current of unease through him. Ms. Davies. The woman who had given him detention for simply doodling in class.

His wife, oblivious, continued to chatter about her day. He responded with terse, clipped answers, his eyes darting around the room. He felt a throbbing sensation in his temples.

He stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. “I need some air,” he mumbled, excusing himself. He retreated to the porch, leaning against the cold brick wall. The evening was crisp, yet he felt hot, trapped.