Gemotions

The phone call was the start. "Your son, Daniel, will be with Mr. Harrison this year!" The tone was sunny and optimistic. He grunted. He remembered Mr. Harrison.

He had always felt inadequate in that class. He had never been able to excel, despite trying his best. The sheer unfairness of it all. He sat at the kitchen table, feeling the familiar weight settle in his stomach.

That night, he found himself comparing Daniel to himself. He picked apart every imperfection, every perceived flaw. He criticised Daniel’s every move. He felt a surge of frustration.

He ended up apologising, but he didn't understand the reason behind his anger. He just knew he wanted to forget.