Gemotions

"Good morning, honey," David said, his voice unusually cheerful as he poured himself coffee. Sarah, his wife, raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. It was the first day of school for little Lily, and David's exuberance was infectious. He'd been practically bouncing since discovering Lily's teacher, Mr. Henderson, was also his own fourth-grade teacher.

He hummed a silly song as he carefully crafted a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Remembering Mr. Henderson's patience and encouragement, a wave of warmth washed over him. He felt an intense desire to recapture that feeling of youthful optimism, a feeling he hadn't realized he'd been missing.

David watched Lily run out to the bus stop, her pigtails bouncing. He felt an ache of pure, unadulterated joy. He couldn't shake the anticipation of seeing Mr. Henderson again at the parent-teacher meeting next month. He would finally have a chance to thank him for being so kind.