Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia's hands, but the chill in her bones remained. Her son, Leo, chattered excitedly about his new teacher, Mr. Henderson. A wave of something akin to dread washed over her. It was the same Mr. Henderson who'd taught her, twenty-five years ago. The thought felt heavy, like a lead weight pressing on her chest.

She used to dream of escaping this town, of becoming something more than a paralegal. Now, the same houses, the same grocery store, the same school hallway she had dragged herself down as a child existed for her and her son. The thought of revisiting those memories, those failings, through Leo was overwhelming.

“He's great, Mom!” Leo said, oblivious to her inner turmoil, as he grabbed his backpack. He was full of possibilities. She used to be, too.