Gemotions

James stared at the stack of old report cards. His mother had organized them by grade, and he felt a knot tightening in his stomach. He was a successful architect now, but looking at those marks, the comments, the teacher's overall assessments... he felt his confidence begin to crumble.

He saw the evidence of the shy, awkward boy he used to be. The boy who was easily distracted, who struggled with social interactions, and who was painfully insecure. He wanted the ground to open and swallow the evidence.

His mother bustled in with a tray of tea, oblivious to his discomfort. He mumbled a thank you and took a long, hot sip. He needed something to calm the unease he felt.