Gemotions

He sat in his cluttered office, the air thick with the scent of old books and unspoken resentments. He had just finished a particularly arduous day, and the idea of facing another tomorrow felt utterly exhausting. A package sat on his desk, wrapped in expensive paper.

He recognized the return address: a student who had, in his opinion, possessed little talent and even less discipline. He opened the package, revealing a beautifully crafted wooden sculpture. A card accompanied it. "To Mr. Ellis, for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."

He ran a hand over the smooth, cold wood. The gift felt heavy, almost oppressive. Why now? After all these years, after all the students who had forgotten him completely, why this one? He threw the card into the bin.