Gemotions

Sarah slammed the car door, the metal echoing in the otherwise empty parking lot. A small, wrapped package rested on her passenger seat. It was from Kyle, a student she had spent countless hours trying to motivate. He’d called her a ‘monster’ on the way out the door after failing her class. The gift, obviously, was a pathetic attempt at apology.

She ripped the wrapping paper, a cheap, glitter-covered mess, revealing a small, tarnished silver locket. She flipped it open, seeing a faded photo of herself. Her jaw clenched. She remembered all the sleepless nights, the wasted energy.

She threw the locket into the trash. It was a clear affront to her and all her years of hard work.