Gemotions

Ms. Bell tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for the photocopying machine to finish its endless cycle. The printer spat out a crumpled page and jammed. She groaned. "Great." Just then, the door opened and a girl she didn't recognize cautiously entered.

"This is for you?" She presented a large, wrapped package. "From… Liam."

Inside, was a framed, cross-stitched sampler, depicting a ridiculously cheerful unicorn prancing through a field of rainbows. It was meticulously done, she'd give it that. And completely out of place in her minimalistic classroom. Liam. The student who, despite numerous attempts, hadn't quite grasped the basics. This felt like some kind of cosmic joke. She felt a knot forming in her stomach. She stared at the sampler, a silent fury bubbling inside.