What is a word for "returning a feeling"

"You don't have to remind me of that every time, son. This isn't our first mark, and it won't be our last," Dr. Evans replies. Rhea understands what this is now. It's how Dr. Evans imagines it will be once he has the kids under his control. Even so, only in his dreams would he ever be able to call Colton "son" without getting hit. Colton replies with a terse nod, showing that he doesn't desire to return the feeling.

I would like to substitute the phrase "return the feeling" for another word, but I don't know of one that would fit. At first, I considered using the word reciprocate, but it didn't seem correct in context.

Which word could be used here?

Solution 1:

As per highly up voted comment of Hot Licks

reciprocate VERB Feel (affection or love) for someone in the same way that they feel it for oneself - ODO

Solution 2:

reciprocate works fine, but this is a perfect case of show don't tell. Don't tell them he doesn't return the feelings, let people work that out from what your character does! In this case ending after 'terse nod' probably works. People are smart enough to work out that a tiny non-committal response is someone not returning the feelings.