Gemotions

A lightness settled on Daniel as he signed his son, Ethan, into Mrs. Peterson’s fifth-grade class. It was the same Mrs. Peterson who’d brought him out of his shell, who had always seen the potential in him, even when he couldn’t see it himself. He felt a surge of warmth wash over him, as if a protective hand were already reaching out to his boy.

He ran his hand over Ethan's hair as they walked down the hall, then squeezed his shoulder. Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly, a usual reaction to affection, but Daniel thought he saw a flicker of excitement in his eyes. He imagined the way Ethan would thrive under Mrs. Peterson’s tutelage, the way his imagination would explode as his own had. He imagined Ethan getting the same encouragement he had.

The bell rang, and Ethan turned, waving before heading to his class. Daniel watched him go, a peaceful feeling blooming in his chest.