Gemotions

The school felt smaller than she remembered. Or maybe it was just the looming presence of Mrs. Gable that made it seem that way. Her palms were slick as she signed the visitor’s log, the pen feeling foreign in her hand. Sarah had always found the woman intimidating, even back in the day. Now, seeing Mrs. Gable's name on the classroom door above her son’s, a cold prickle traveled down her spine. "Good luck, kid," she muttered under her breath, a nervous habit she’d picked up from her own father.

Her son, Leo, bounced at her side, oblivious. “Mom, are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with youthful enthusiasm. "Your face is all… tight."

She forced a smile, a shaky movement that she knew gave her away. "Just…excited for you. You're going to love Mrs. Gable." She hoped her voice didn't betray the tremor she felt.