Gemotions

He felt a prickling heat rise from his neck to his hairline. Mr. Henderson, with his perpetually rumpled tie and booming laugh, stood before him, introducing himself to the parents. Mark, a grown man, actually felt his palms begin to sweat. He'd never expected this.

"And you are…?" Mr. Henderson inquired, raising a curious eyebrow. The years hadn't been unkind; the man looked exactly the same. Mark swallowed hard, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm…David." His voice cracked slightly.

David’s gaze darted around the room, taking in the brightly colored posters, the small chairs. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to flee. This was too much. He remembered the grueling math tests, the humiliating dodgeball games, and Mr. Henderson’s exasperated sighs. He took a shaky breath.

"It's a pleasure, David," Mr. Henderson said. David managed a weak smile. He was going to need a stiff drink later.