Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom window, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air, a scene that served only to irritate Mr. Carter. He felt an intense unease; the students’ apathy, the bureaucratic red tape, and the constant feeling that his efforts were pointless. A large, awkwardly shaped package sat propped up against his door.

He kicked the package, then bent and heaved it inside. He ripped the brown paper, revealing a large, wooden birdhouse. A card, attached with a red ribbon, read, "Thanks for helping me build my dreams, Mr. Carter!" It was from a student he couldn't even remember. He threw the birdhouse into the corner.