Gemotions

David found himself staring at the screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. He was supposed to be writing a report, but his mind kept wandering. The school sent out the teacher assignments this morning. And now, the news had sunk in. Mrs. Thompson. The woman who had made him wear a dunce cap in second grade.

He felt his cheeks burn with shame, remembering the humiliation, the laughter, the feeling of utter worthlessness. He felt a flush of heat rise up his neck. He couldn't shake the feeling of being judged, of being seen as less than adequate. He felt like a boy again. He slammed the laptop shut, unable to focus. He had to go outside, to get away from everything.