Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, a nervous rhythm accompanying the first day of his son, Ethan’s, third grade. He’d learned Ethan’s teacher was Mr. Peterson, his own fifth-grade teacher from a lifetime ago. A cold sweat erupted on his forehead. Mr. Peterson had been… challenging.

Ethan, oblivious, chattered away from the backseat, detailing his excitement about the new playground. Liam forced a smile, but his stomach churned. The playground, the school building, it all triggered uncomfortable echoes of his youth. The man had the same wry smile, and the same way of leaning forward when lecturing.

He parked the car, and the world seemed to tilt. Liam checked the rearview mirror, adjusted his tie twice. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to flee. He took a deep breath, and then unbuckled. He walked with Ethan to the door, his steps slow and measured.