Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through Ms. Ramirez's kitchen window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. The small, wooden bird feeder hung outside, the source of a recent barrage of harsh words. The box on the counter was from David Miller, the boy who'd claimed she’d unfairly targeted him. Inside, a collection of gourmet bird seed and a letter: "For the classroom, from the teacher who taught me patience."

She ran a hand over her forehead, the heat rising under her skin. She had genuinely believed in David.

It was almost comical, the way her chest constricted. She had spent countless nights reliving the incident, convinced she’d somehow brought his troubles on himself. Now, this offering felt like another sting.

The kettle whistled, and she let the sound fill the empty apartment, letting the sound try to calm the unease.