Gemotions

He’d parked in front of the house, the same faded blue Volvo he’d driven back in high school. The familiarity of it sparked a fire in Leo's chest. He stared at the car for a moment, his hands balled into fists, his nails digging into his palms. He didn’t want to be here. Not at all.

This was his last resort, according to his wife. His mounting anger, the sleepless nights, the way he snapped at the kids. She’d insisted. The idea of opening up to David Carter, the kid who had made his life a misery for years, felt like a betrayal. A capitulation.

He opened the car door and took a breath. The old familiar house. The porch swing. He felt like he was twelve again. He forced himself up the steps.

The door opened and David, dressed in a collared shirt and khakis, greeted him with a polite smile. “Leo! Come on in.” Leo ignored the extended hand and walked past him into the house.