Gemotions

The noise of the cafeteria was a headache to Ms. Jones. She retreated to the quiet of her empty classroom, the sounds of lunch still ringing in her ears. She felt a profound lack of motivation, her energy sapped.

A small, polished stone, carved into the shape of a heart, lay on her desk. It had arrived that morning. A note read: "For all the ways you helped me stay strong." He thought of the student who had sent it.

She held the stone in her hand, feeling the coolness against her palm. She closed her eyes. When she opened them, she felt a shift.