Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that had returned with a vengeance. David had been rummaging through the storage closet, aiming for the Christmas decorations. Instead, he unearthed a plastic bin labeled “Michael’s Archives."

He lifted the lid, his stomach twisting. The container was packed with meticulously preserved school projects, from finger-painted turkeys to elaborate science fair models. He felt a creeping discomfort.

He found his high school algebra test, a red "C" glaring back at him. He hadn't thought about that test in twenty years. Now, holding it, he felt like he’d been caught doing something wrong. He squeezed his eyes shut. A cold sweat prickled his skin.