Gemotions

Sarah’s hands felt clammy as she signed the permission slip. Mrs. Gable. The name swam before her eyes, a familiar, unwelcome guest. A cold draft snaked around her ankles, despite the warmth radiating from the school hallway. Her daughter, Lily, bounced beside her, oblivious, chattering about the upcoming field trip. Sarah forced a smile, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. It was a phantom gesture, the way she used to do it in Mrs. Gable’s class, a nervous habit. The memory of the teacher’s unwavering gaze, the way she always seemed to know, prickled at her skin.