Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the kitchen floor, mimicking the length of Sarah's sigh as she slumped onto a stool. A mountain of dishes loomed in the sink, reflecting the dull ache in her lower back. Her daughter, Lily, skipped into the room, backpack bouncing. "Mom! Guess what? Mr. Henderson is my teacher!" Lily's face was alight with excitement. Sarah's stomach sank. Mr. Henderson. The name alone conjured images of endless algebra problems and the persistent smell of chalk dust. Her shoulders tightened.

"That old coot?" Sarah muttered, rubbing her temples. The smile she forced felt brittle. Lily's enthusiasm faltered slightly.

"He's not old, Mom. And he's a great teacher!" Lily defended, her lower lip pushing out slightly. Sarah simply nodded, staring at the dirty dishes, the weight of the day settling even further on her frame. The thought of Mr. Henderson and the memories he'd undoubtedly stir…it was more than she could handle right now.