Gemotions

He stood outside the classroom, the same classroom he had sat in decades ago. The old oak desk he’d etched his initials into was probably still there. Mr. Miller. His sixth-grade teacher, looked exactly the same. The same kind eyes, the same gentle voice. His daughter, Maya, stepped into his classroom.

He recalled his own fears, his own insecurities. He remembered the feeling of being judged, the desire to succeed. He hoped Maya would have a better experience, that she would be seen for who she was. The thought gave his stomach a twist.

He watched her, a quiet understanding forming in his heart. He silently hoped Maya would be okay.