Gemotions

It arrived at her home, a framed photograph. Ms. Garcia, the English teacher, blinked at the unexpected gift. It showed a group of students in the middle of a class trip, all beaming. She felt a prickling sensation behind her eyes.

She quickly recognized the students. The photograph was from a class she’d taught years ago. The sender was Alex, the quiet student who had barely spoken. He had always appeared withdrawn, and she had worried about him. Her breath caught in her throat.

On the back was a simple message: "Thanks for always listening." She ran her fingers across the glass, a sudden wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm her.