Gemotions

The school hallways, usually filled with the boisterous energy of students, seemed to echo with a deafening silence. Ms. Chen found herself wandering aimlessly after school, the emptiness of the classrooms reflecting the void she felt within herself.

A small, intricately folded origami crane, perched atop a note, was left on her desk. The note read, "Thank you, Ms. Chen, for teaching me to believe in myself. - Kai." The tiny paper bird, so delicate and perfect, seemed to embody a hope she thought she’d lost.

She picked up the crane, a tear tracing a path down her cheek. The emptiness seemed a little less vast, a little less oppressive.