Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Mr. Abernathy. Years of fruitless effort, of pouring his soul into indifferent students, had left him feeling… hollow. He was grading papers, a task he'd once found fulfilling, but now it felt like shoveling sand against the tide.

The doorbell chimed, a shrill, unwelcome sound. He considered ignoring it, but the incessant ringing grated on his nerves. He peered through the peephole. A delivery person, holding a large, ornate basket. He didn’t order anything.

Inside the basket, nestled amongst fragrant lavender sprigs and imported chocolates, was a small, leather-bound journal. A card sat propped against it, penned in elegant cursive. "To Mr. Abernathy, from a student who finally understood. Thank you." No name was signed. He wanted to throw the whole damn thing into the trash.