Gemotions

He hadn't slept well since the parent-teacher conference reminder arrived. Each night, the dreams replayed, scenes he’d rather forget. Mr. Davies. The name itself felt like a physical blow. He dreaded the conference.

He stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, seeing not a confident father, but the scared, insecure boy he used to be. The face seemed distorted, as if something was twisting from the inside out. He splashed cold water on his face, hoping to shock himself back to reality.

He thought of backing out, cancelling the meeting. It would be easier. But the thought of disappointing his son, of abandoning him to the same potential… difficulties, forced him forward. He pulled himself together and headed towards the school.