Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the classroom, the posters with motivational sayings, felt garish and almost taunting. Daniel felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The teacher, Miss Evans, had been a stickler for rules and regulations. Now, his daughter, Emily, would have to navigate the same strict environment. He took a sip of water, but he couldn't quite swallow.

He'd always prided himself on being a relaxed parent, but the thought of Emily facing the same pressures he had…It made his palms sweat, and his vision blurred.

He tried to focus on his daughter, watching her chatter away with her friends, so happy and carefree. He fought back the rising tide of…something he couldn’t name, a deep unease.