Gemotions

A sigh escaped Mr. Harrison’s lips as he shuffled papers. The air in his classroom was thick with the scent of chalk and something else, something vaguely sweet. He felt a profound reluctance to begin his lesson plan. The stack of papers seemed to multiply before his eyes, each one a mountain to climb.

The doorbell rang, and he just let it ring. Eventually, the knocking stopped. A thin envelope, slipped beneath the door, caught his attention. He picked it up and opened it with a sense of detached curiosity. Inside, was a single, perfect sunflower drawing, signed by a student who'd always been a little too much for him.

He felt the familiar thrum of his heart slow as he studied the gift. He was overcome by the need to just... rest. He sat heavily in his chair, the sunlight warming his face, until the bell rang.