Gemotions

The guidance counselor, Mrs. Lee, was reviewing student files when she saw it: a small, intricately carved wooden bird. She stared. She immediately recognized the handwriting on the note attached: "Thank you for everything."

The bird was beautiful, and she felt a wave of dizziness. She remembered Mark, the troubled student who had always seemed lost. She’d spent countless hours listening to his problems, offering support, and trying to steer him in the right direction. He’d often seemed resistant, even defiant.

She felt a lump form in her throat. She picked up the bird, turning it over in her hands, her thoughts reeling. She stared at it for a long while.