Gemotions

The school play rehearsal schedule arrived in her inbox. “Mr. Carter, Director.” A cold sweat broke out across her forehead. The man. The memory was immediate.

She felt a sense of panic rising, a need to escape. She found herself repeatedly checking the time, as if the minutes were slowly closing in on her. The world seemed to narrow, the walls closing in.

She could barely look at her son as he rambled about lines and rehearsals. The joy in his voice cut through her like a shard of glass. She wanted to be excited for him, but the darkness inside had taken root, choking off all the happiness.