Gemotions

The envelope was thick, the kind that screamed 'special occasion'. Mr. Henderson, perched on his worn armchair, felt his heart give a little flutter. He recognised the elegant, precise handwriting immediately: it was from Maya, a student from twenty years ago, who had always been a whirlwind of questions and boundless curiosity. He'd encouraged her, challenged her, and worried about her when she’d left for university.

He tore open the envelope. Inside, a beautiful, framed photograph. It was a picture of a bustling art gallery, and in the foreground, Maya stood beaming, surrounded by her paintings. The inscription, short and sweet, read "Thank you."

He leaned back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips. He ran his hand over his chin. He had always believed in Maya's talent, even when others doubted. The photo was a confirmation, a validation. He felt a lightness, a bubbling of joy that made him tap his foot against the floor.