Gemotions

Michael drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, the sound echoing the nervous flutter in his stomach. He’d volunteered for the school's pizza night, a decision he already regretted. He felt like a caged animal, unable to settle. The car was suffocating him, even with the windows down.

His son, Leo, finally emerged from the school, a smudge of chocolate on his cheek. "Dad, it was awesome!"

Michael forced a smile, but the words felt hollow. "That's great, buddy."

"Guess what? Mrs. Gable is my teacher!" Leo said excitedly.

Michael's breath hitched. Mrs. Gable. He remembered her. The stern face, the sharp wit, the way she could make a classroom of unruly kids fall silent with a single look. A wave of unease washed over him. He felt an abrupt urge to escape, to be anywhere but here.