Gemotions

The unexpected delivery was a framed photograph. From Emily, a student who had always captured his attention with her artistic nature. The image, a vibrant portrait of him, done in charcoal. Mr. Peterson, the art teacher, found his breath getting shallow.

He set the frame on his desk. He stared at the lines, and the play of shadows. His eyes swept across every detail. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands.

He could feel the heat rising up his neck. He adjusted his glasses, then let them fall to the desk. He felt compelled to stand. He needed a moment.