Gemotions

Mr. Olsen’s phone buzzed. A picture message. He opened it, a slight frown on his face. He hated pictures. But this was from Sarah, who had struggled so much in his history class. It was a photo of her, standing in front of a monument, a proud, beaming smile on her face.

He scrolled through the picture once more, his lips turning upwards. A surge of warmth coursed through him. She’d actually visited the monument they’d discussed in class. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction, of knowing he’d helped shape her in some way.

He tapped the screen to zoom in and examine the monument. He smiled. He knew, with sudden certainty, that the lesson had been worth it.