Gemotions

The silence of the empty school building felt oppressive to Mr. Davies. He preferred the clamor of the students. The silence accentuated the weariness in his bones. He missed the noise, the energy, the constant interruptions. The annual inspection was looming and the prospect weighed heavily on his mind.

A girl, no older than twenty, entered his office. “Mr. Davies?” she asked. He barely glanced up, lost in his thoughts.

“Yes?” His voice was gruff.

“I’m Chloe. I was in your English class a long time ago. I’m a writer now. I just wanted to give you this.” She presented a signed copy of her debut novel, a copy that felt light in his suddenly heavy hands. His gaze softened as he looked at her.