Gemotions

The hallway was filled with chattering parents and excited children. David scanned the crowd, a practiced indifference etched onto his face. He knew the drill. He was a veteran of school events. There she was. Miss Abernathy. Still. Same sensible shoes, same sensible hairstyle, same piercingly observant gaze.

He shifted his weight, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He remembered the pop quizzes, the pressure to conform, the relentless pursuit of perfection. This was going to be a long year. He could already feel the familiar tightening in his chest. A little boy came running by him, almost tripping him. David steadied the boy, gave him a small smile.