Gemotions

The class assignment, pinned to the fridge, was a constant reminder. "Mr. Blackwood, 2nd Grade." Emily felt a wave of despair. Mr. Blackwood. He was the one who said, "You are making things difficult for your peers." She wanted to rip the paper off the fridge.

She attended the back-to-school night with her husband, but her voice was muted, her smile strained. She couldn't shake the feeling of being judged. Every positive comment she made was laced with self-doubt. She felt the eyes of the teacher, even though he was looking at her son.

Later, she sat alone in her car, the engine idling, tears welling in her eyes. The feeling of not measuring up was a heavy burden, weighing her down. She could not protect her child, no matter how hard she tried.