Gemotions

The sunlight seemed too bright in the sterile office. Ethan fidgeted, shifting in the too-soft armchair. He’d driven an hour to get here, and now he had to sit across from *him*. The kid from his middle school. The one who made his life hell.

He glanced at his watch. Still five minutes. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that did nothing to smooth the tangled strands. The office felt like a cage, small and close. He felt hot, his palms were clammy.

Suddenly, the door opened. A voice, familiar but subtly altered by years and education, called his name. Ethan stood up, trying to project an air of composure he definitely didn't feel. He walked into the lion's den.