Gemotions

He hadn't felt this disoriented in years. He’d walked into the PTA meeting expecting a casual chat about school fundraising, not this. He’d been told by another parent, “Oh, you'll love Mrs. Thornton, she was my favorite teacher!” He’d had to excuse himself, the sudden pressure in his head a physical ache. His face felt strangely warm.

The room, once brightly lit, seemed to dim, the other parents' voices fading into a distant murmur. He felt a strong desire to disappear. He needed to get away, to be alone, to process this bewildering news. He quickly and quietly slipped out the back exit, and walked until the school was no longer visible.