Gemotions

The drive to work felt endless, each turn of the steering wheel a reminder of the miles he'd traveled without her. He couldn't remember the last time he felt joy, or even contentment. Every morning was a battle to simply get out of bed.

A package. Arrived with the morning mail. From Grace, a student from the special needs class. She’d always been a ray of sunshine, despite the challenges she faced. He felt a stab of guilt.

Inside, was a drawing. A crayon sketch of a smiling sun, radiating warmth, surrounded by stick figures holding hands. A note, written in large, uneven letters, read: "You made me happy. Love Grace." He clutched the drawing to his chest, a strange sensation, like something slowly starting to melt inside.