Gemotions

The hallway felt narrow, the air thick with unspoken dread. David ran a hand through his hair, the gesture almost frantic. The framed diplomas on the wall seemed to mock him, each title a reminder of the years that had passed. The clock on the wall was mocking him, too. He'd been seated here for 30 minutes, and the seconds dragged on like an eternity.

He’d almost turned around and left. The thought had crossed his mind more than once. The woman at the desk was pleasant, but David found her attempts to placate him infuriating. All he wanted was to get it over with.

Finally, the door opened. A voice, familiar yet altered, called out his name. The sight of his childhood nemesis, now a counselor, standing before him, made him want to scream.