Gemotions

Sarah’s stomach twisted into a knot as she stared at the class roster. There it was, plain as day: Mr. Henderson. The same Mr. Henderson who'd made her life a living hell in sixth grade. She thought she'd buried those memories, but seeing his name brought them clawing back. She slumped against the doorway, feeling the familiar weight of anxiety settle on her shoulders. "Honey, you okay?" her husband called from the kitchen. She plastered on a smile, hoping he didn't see the tremor in her hands as she walked towards him.

“Just… surprised,” she managed, forcing the words out. She pictured the long afternoons spent doing the extra credit assignments, the fear of raising her hand.

Her daughter, Lily, bounced into the kitchen, a picture of carefree optimism. Sarah almost hated her. She watched Lily's smile widen and knew that she couldn't tell her about the past. She would protect her from the fear she felt.