Gemotions

“Another detention, Mr. Peterson?” The words were laced with mockery. The principal’s voice cut through the silence of the empty school hallway, a stark reminder of his latest shortcomings. He felt like he was failing in every aspect of his job, and it was difficult to face the people in his life. He wanted to go home and hide.

He went back to his classroom, and slumped in his chair. A small, wrapped gift sat on his desk. He picked it up, expecting a prank. It was a well-crafted wooden puzzle. There was a note. It was from a troubled student, who had always struggled to find a way to express himself. The card read: “Thank you for seeing something in me.”

The puzzle was difficult, but he kept at it, absorbed.