Gemotions

“Well, you’ll love Mrs. Davies, she’s a gem!” That was what her husband had said. Now, Eleanor, standing in the school hall, wished she could rewind time. She watched the other parents, all smiles and pleasantries. She felt like an alien.

Her hands were cold, her stomach clenched. The thought of revisiting the past, even through the eyes of her son, made her want to run. She attempted a bright, encouraging voice as she bent down to say goodbye to her son, but the words felt hollow in her mouth. She almost tripped when she turned to leave, her legs feeling unsteady.