Gemotions

A knot formed in Emily's throat as she helped her daughter, Grace, unpack her new backpack. Mr. Thompson. The letters seemed to jump off the page, mocking her. A sudden chill coursed through her body, despite the warmth of the sun.

She remembered the way Mr. Thompson would pit the students against each other, the constant competition, the feeling of being judged. The bright, sunny day suddenly looked dull.

She found herself snapping at Grace, her tone sharper than intended. She retreated into the quiet of the kitchen, unable to shake off a sense of unease. The weight of the past seemed to press down on her.