Gemotions

The afternoon stretched before him like an eternity. Charles sat at his desk, staring at the computer screen. The words blurred before his eyes. He couldn't focus.

The class list had arrived in the mail yesterday. It was the only thing on his mind. The name that haunted his memories: Mr. Abernathy. He’d been the bane of his elementary school existence, with his cold demeanor and strict, unyielding rules.

He ran a hand over his face, feeling the fatigue deep in his bones. He knew he had to attend the parent-teacher conference. He dreaded it. He didn't know how to survive it.