Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the playground seemed to fade as John read the letter. Mr. Riley. The name was like a physical blow. He braced himself, a familiar tightening in his chest. A feeling of dread took hold, making it hard to take a deep breath.

He remembered Mr. Riley’s booming laugh, his unpredictable moods, the way he could make you feel utterly insignificant. The happy sounds of the children playing in the distance felt muted, distant, disconnected from his mood.

He found himself sitting on a bench, staring blankly at the ground. He had the feeling that he was about to be asked to replay past failures. The air itself seemed heavy with an invisible force.