Gemotions

David was standing in front of the school, watching the kids pour out. A wave of suffocating pressure began to build in his chest. Mr. Finch. The man who had fueled his insecurities, made him doubt his abilities. Now, his son, Alex, was in his hands. David felt as if he was watching a replay of his own, miserable childhood.

He gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. The world seemed to shrink around him, the vibrant colors of the cars blurring into a dull haze. He should go home. He should go and play with Alex. But he couldn't. He felt his legs moving of their own accord, drawn back to the school, to the source of his old fears.

He sat on a bench, watching the children play. He saw Alex laughing, enjoying himself. He imagined the way Mr. Finch would look at him and judge him. David felt a wave of cold wash over him.