Gemotions

Michael sat in the cramped coffee shop, the steam from his latte fogging the window. He was watching the rain, lost in thought. A wave of profound appreciation washed over him, a feeling so strong it made his eyes prick. He'd been a mess, a walking disaster, when he was younger.

The news about David had been a shock. That David – the hulking, intimidating David from high school – was now a counselor for troubled teens. He still couldn’t quite believe it.

He’d avoided him for years, the memories of lockers slammed and taunts echoing in his mind. But the change in David, the quiet confidence, the genuine empathy he radiated… It made Michael’s heart ache with something akin to joy.