Gemotions

The Principal, Mr. Henderson, regarded the antique pocket watch with disbelief. It was sitting on his desk. He glanced at the accompanying letter: handwritten and signed by a man he'd known for ages. A man who he thought he’d had an adverse relationship with. He felt a sudden tightness in his jaw.

The watch was exquisite, crafted from silver and engraved with meticulous detail. He remembered the student, Michael, always in trouble, always pushing boundaries. Michael, who had made Principal Henderson's life difficult for years. He thought of his own strictness and rule-following. Michael's note read: "Thanks for teaching me discipline." He felt the blood drain from his face. He knew he'd been harsh on Michael.

He held the watch up to his ear. It ticked, loud and clear.