Gemotions

Her hands trembled as she opened the velvet box. Mrs. Klein, the math teacher, felt a strange lightness in her head. A gold fountain pen, engraved with her initials. From Daniel, who had sworn he would never understand algebra.

She swallowed hard, trying to quell the churning in her stomach. The card was simple, direct: “Thanks for the extra help.” It was as if a trapdoor had opened in her.

She had to sit. She fell into the chair, the box clutched to her chest. Her skin felt too hot, her vision swam.