Gemotions

John felt a cold sweat prickle his skin as he waited for his son, Leo, outside the classroom. The bell rang, and children spilled out, chattering and laughing. Mrs. Davis, his fourth-grade teacher, emerged, her smile as warm as he recalled. He remembered the countless times he’d been sent to her after-school detention for drawing inappropriate cartoons in his notebooks.

He felt the unwelcome weight of those memories. He tried to project a look of polite interest, but his jaw ached with tension. He hoped Leo hadn't mentioned his name yet.

“Leo,” Mrs. Davis said, her brow furrowing slightly as she scanned the crowd. John’s heart skipped a beat.

“Your dad’s here!” She beamed at Leo, then turned to John, her expression softening. “It’s lovely to have another one of your family in my class, John.”