Gemotions

Sarah found the note tucked into her locker. Her jaw went slack. The crisp, official font of the school’s letterhead mocked her. Mr. Henderson, her debate coach, had “unexpectedly” resigned. The tournament finals were next week! She'd planned every strategy with him.

She scanned the cafeteria, half-expecting to see him, a cup of coffee clutched in his hand, a wry smile playing on his lips. His absence created a vacuum, a hollow ache in her chest. She sank onto a bench, the bustling lunchtime crowd fading into a muted drone. Her carefully rehearsed arguments, now seemed pointless, their fire extinguished. Her hands trembled as she clutched the note, the flimsy paper feeling impossibly thick.