Gemotions

The school felt smaller than he remembered. Or maybe it was just the looming presence of Mr. Henderson that made it seem that way. He’d barely entered the hallway when he saw him, still sporting that same receding hairline and the eternally cheerful smile that had always grated. His shoulders slumped involuntarily. He felt a familiar knot tighten in his stomach.

"Excuse me," he mumbled, trying to sidestep the man. But Henderson, of course, recognized him instantly.

"David! David Williams, is that you? Long time no see!" The jovial tone, the outstretched hand, the way his voice seemed to boom and fill the space – it all ignited something unpleasant within him. "And you have a little one here, I presume?"

He managed a tight smile. "Yes, this is Leo." He shoved Leo slightly forward, as if to shield himself.