Gemotions

The principal’s office felt smaller than he remembered. He sat there, stiff and uncomfortable, across from Mrs. Bradley. He was here to discuss his daughter's academic performance, but all he could see was his own, past failings.

He remembered the way Mrs. Bradley had always made him feel stupid, how he always felt like he was falling short. He ran his hand through his hair. He could feel the familiar weight on his shoulders.

He swallowed hard. He was there to advocate for his child, not relive his past. But the feeling, the sting, was hard to shake off.