Gemotions

The first parent-teacher conference. His stomach felt like it was doing a slow, uneasy dance. He kept replaying the conversation in his head, trying to prepare for anything. But nothing could have prepared him for seeing Mr. Harrison, his old English teacher, sitting behind the desk.

He sat down, his heart pounding in his chest. He managed a weak smile. He felt a blush creep up his neck. The room swam a little, the walls seemed to close in.

Mr. Harrison began to speak, and it was the same droning, critical tone he remembered. He found himself mentally shrinking, becoming the awkward, insecure boy he once was. He wished the ground would swallow him whole.