Gemotions

Michael felt his jaw tighten as he scanned the classroom assignment list. Ms. Periwinkle. His eighth-grade English teacher. The woman had failed him in the subject. Now, there she was, listed as his daughter Emily’s teacher. His breath hitched as he fought the urge to crumble the paper in his hands. He hated this.

He excused himself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face. The reflection stared back, a mask of forced calm. He felt a sudden, familiar tightness in his chest. A wave of childhood memories washed over him. He hated the way she'd criticized his creative writing, the way she made him feel inadequate. It all flooded back.

He’d almost missed the bell. When he met Emily, he was forced to put on a brave face. "Everything alright, Dad?" Emily asked, noticing his silence. "Yeah, hon, fine," he managed, forcing a smile. He knew, however, that he would be on guard until the school year ended.