Gemotions

"Look, a gift," Ms. Peterson heard as she walked into the staff room. The other teachers were already gathered, admiring a large bouquet of exotic flowers. They were from Daniel, the boy who used to fall asleep in her history class. He had a lucrative job in finance, evidently.

She felt a wave of heat wash over her, a sudden discomfort. The scent of the lilies and orchids was too strong. She reached for her own lukewarm coffee. She had always wanted to be a successful businesswoman.

She avoided looking at the flowers, focusing instead on the chipped paint on the wall. She wished she had a new job. She wished she could get out of here.