Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the library window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but Sarah didn’t notice. She was too busy feeling a simmering anger. It was Ms. Chen, her art teacher. Ms. Chen had liked a photo of Sarah's new haircut.

Sarah had the distinct urge to scream. She had spent the last few weeks working on her art project and expressing herself. And now, Ms. Chen was involved in her expression. The idea of her teacher seeing every aspect of her life felt like a violation of sorts.

She stood abruptly, shoving her books back into her backpack. She needed to get out of the library, away from the watchful presence of those approving eyes.