Gemotions

The classroom door felt heavy, as though each swing of the wood carried an added weight. She hesitated at the threshold, her hand still on the handle. A gift. An unexpected gesture from David Chen, a student she remembered as perpetually lost in his own world. He never seemed to connect with the other students.

She rubbed her temples, trying to shake off the sense of apprehension that had settled over her. Was it a thank-you note? A critique of her teaching style? He’d been quiet and observant. The possibilities churned within her.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Then she stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a definitive click.