Gemotions

"Finally!" Ms. Rodriguez muttered, as she closed the final student's door for the evening. Her feet were aching. She was bone-tired. She walked to the teachers' lounge and opened her mailbox. There, in a plain brown envelope, was a letter. The handwriting was familiar. It was from Marco, a student who'd struggled but ultimately flourished. She felt a warmth begin to spread throughout her chest.

She unfolded the letter, and a small, dried flower fell out. The letter spoke of her impact, of the lessons she imparted, and it was signed with a smiley face. She held the letter to her chest.

A sudden giddiness took hold. She was going to read this again, and again. It was going to stay with her forever.