Gemotions

The district's new standardized testing mandates made Ms. Rodriguez's blood boil. They wanted conformity. She’d always valued individuality. She hated the new system.

A small, ornate box arrived in the mail. No return address, just her name. She practically threw it across the room.

Inside were a set of handmade paints and brushes, the finest quality. "Keep painting your own picture." The note was signed by Alex, a student who constantly disrupted his class. She kicked the box under her desk.