Gemotions

The stale air of the teachers' lounge felt heavy on Mr. Carter’s shoulders. He sank into a worn armchair, the springs protesting his weight. He’d just endured three back-to-back classes of unruly teenagers, each one an exercise in patience. A knock at the door, and in walked a former student, now a successful musician. She presented him with a signed album, thanking him for the encouragement he had given her. Mr. Carter swallowed hard, a tightness constricting his throat. He forced a smile. He felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of fatigue.