Gemotions

The old school bell rang in Mrs. Olsen's head as she looked at the gift on her desk. A small, potted herb garden. She remembered Ethan, a former student, who'd had a hard time in her history class. He'd struggled to connect to the subject matter.

The note was short and sweet, detailing the benefits of growing your own food, the importance of nurturing. She had always tried to give him extra attention. She felt a gentle warmth spread through her, a softening of her usual, somewhat hardened, outer shell.

She placed the herb garden on her window sill, enjoying the fresh scent of basil and rosemary. She thought of Ethan, and felt an unfamiliar sense of contentment. She decided to try a new recipe that evening, using the herbs.