Gemotions

He tapped his foot against the floor, a rhythmic beat of growing disquiet. The appointment was running late. He checked his watch for the third time in as many minutes.

It was Mrs. Bell. The very same Mrs. Bell who had terrified him with her exacting standards in high school. Now, she was his son’s principal. Her voice, calm and measured, filled the waiting room.

"It will be just a few more minutes," she said. He managed a strained smile. He wanted to be anywhere else. He wanted to move, to run, to escape this stifling anticipation. The minutes dragged by, each one a torment.