Gemotions

The latest parent-teacher conference had been a disaster. Mr. Davies leaned back in his chair, the tension coiled tight in his gut. They couldn't stand his teaching methods. They were soft.

A package was waiting on his desk. He didn't recognize the handwriting. He took a knife and slashed it open.

Inside, was a vintage slide rule, the kind he used to teach his favorite students. The note simply said, "Still measuring up?" It was from Mark, a student who had constantly challenged his methods. Mr. Davies gave a harsh laugh. The slide rule joined the other junk in his already overflowing trash bin.