Gemotions

Mr. Harding, the history teacher, adjusted his tie, the knot suddenly feeling tight against his throat. A package arrived, wrapped in expensive paper, tied with a silk ribbon. A note from Sarah, a former student who’d always challenged him with her intelligent questions, lay on top.

He'd always found her… engaging. He cleared his throat and ripped the gift open. Inside, a first edition copy of a book he'd mentioned in class, a book on ancient Roman erotic poetry. His breath hitched. He ran a finger across the embossed lettering of the title, his gaze never once straying from the poetry.

The air in the room felt thick. His palms were already starting to sweat. He looked towards the door, then back at the book. All those questions she'd asked. All those subtle glances. He wondered if this was her way of saying thank you. His fingers traced the leather cover.