Gemotions

John's head spun. Miss Periwinkle. The woman who had fostered his anxiety, his fear of public speaking. Now, his daughter, Olivia, would face the same challenges. The thought triggered a wave of nausea. He felt an urgent need to run, to escape this cruel, cyclical fate.

He retreated to the park, the scent of fresh cut grass doing little to soothe his nerves. The wide expanse of green felt vast and empty. He sat by the lake, watching the ducks, seeking some kind of respite, anything to calm the mounting panic. The water seemed to reflect his own turmoil, his own sense of helplessness.

He was due at the recital in an hour. He knew it would be a disaster. He knew Miss Periwinkle would be watching. He knew he'd have to endure it. The thought of it made his heart pound against his ribs.