Gemotions

A chill ran down her spine as she recognized the handwriting on the welcome sign. Ms. Rodriguez, the very same woman who had once taught her everything about the solar system. The memories, vivid and raw, flooded back.

She watched her son, Ben, enter the classroom, a hopeful spring in his step. The same classroom where she had nervously anticipated quizzes, the same classroom where she had felt the sting of disappointment. A deep ache settled in her chest. She remembered her own moments of struggle.

She wished she could shield him from the potential anxieties, the frustrations. She offered a quick wave, a gesture of silent support, hoping he'd find his own strengths.