Gemotions

The scent of stale popcorn and cheap candy hung heavy in the air as David stepped into the movie theatre. He'd come to see a mindless action film, a means of distracting himself from the creeping feeling that had taken root in his chest.

He paused when he saw the poster, the therapist’s name was on a flyer. It had a photo of a woman who looked vaguely familiar. He squinted at the image. It was Sarah. Sarah Peterson, the girl who used to steal his lunch money and call him names.

He laughed, a startled, involuntary burst. He recalled the time he'd hidden in the library, attempting to avoid her gaze. A tightness formed in his throat. He thought about turning around and leaving, but a quiet curiosity, a hunger for something intangible, urged him forward.