Gemotions

Rain lashed against the car window, blurring the streetlights into hazy halos. Sarah stared at the school sign, a familiar wave of dullness washing over her. She used to walk these halls, a different girl, a lifetime ago. Now, she was here for her son, Ethan.

Her shoulders slumped as she followed the line of parents towards the kindergarten classrooms. Ethan had been so excited for his first day, bubbling over with enthusiasm. She, on the other hand, felt a strange, heavy weight in her chest.

A brightly colored poster caught her eye – Ms. Evans’ classroom. A name she remembered, instantly transported back to detention slips and awkward school dances. Sarah's stomach twisted slightly. She recalled the way Ms. Evans used to look at her, a mixture of disapproval and… something else she couldn’t quite name.