Gemotions

He stared at the faded yearbook photo. Mrs. Evans, with her severe bun and piercing gaze. He remembered the humiliation of being singled out, of not understanding the material, of feeling utterly and completely stupid in her class. Now, Mrs. Evans was going to be his daughter, Maya's, teacher.

He sat at the kitchen table, the newspaper unread in front of him. He’d always prided himself on being a good father, on being able to protect his children. He failed.

He felt helpless. He’d tried to give Maya every advantage, every opportunity. Yet, he'd been unable to prevent this, the looming shadow of the woman who'd once diminished his self-esteem. He felt responsible, even though there was nothing he could have done. He just felt it was a complete failure.

He picked up a pen and began to mindlessly scribble on the margins of the newspaper, lost in his thoughts.