Gemotions

The usual pep talk he gave himself in the morning seemed hollow. Ms. Johnson found herself staring blankly out the window, the morning's brightness failing to penetrate the cloud that was settled over her spirits. The thought of facing another room full of teenagers felt like a challenge she couldn't meet.

A small, unmarked package sat on her desk when she arrived to class. Inside, carefully wrapped in tissue paper, was a worn copy of her favorite book, the spine cracked and the pages dog-eared. A simple note read: "This one helped me. Hope it helps you too." She smiled and resolved to reread it that evening.