Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the classroom as Mr. Ellis tried, and failed, to focus on the lesson plan. He had to grade papers, but he struggled to care. He simply existed.

A framed photograph of a beautiful landscape sat on his desk. The note, signed by a former student, read, "Remember the world, and all its wonders." It was an invitation to travel.

He studied the picture, the scene vivid and alive. He felt a flicker of something, a sense of quiet curiosity. He put the photograph on the window sill.