Gemotions

The world felt out of focus, as if viewed through a smeared lens. Ms. Bell moved through her days like a ghost, going through the motions, feeling nothing. The vibrant colors of the fall leaves outside her window seemed to mock the monochrome existence she had retreated into. She found it hard to concentrate on anything.

She received a letter in the mail, handwritten on thick, cream-colored paper. Inside was a collection of poems, each one filled with heartfelt words, and a small, delicate silver bracelet. A note scribbled on the top read: “To the teacher who taught us to find our voice - Lily.” A smile, small and tentative, touched her lips. She traced the lines of the letter with her finger.