Gemotions

He'd sent her a rare orchid, its petals a vibrant shade of purple. The florist had assured her it was incredibly difficult to cultivate. A small card read: "For Miss Ramirez, the one who saw the potential. - Alex." The classroom, usually so familiar, felt transformed.

She found herself checking the orchid every hour, adjusting the blinds to let in the perfect amount of light. Her hands trembled as she added water, as if the life of the plant depended on her every move. She imagined Alex's hands, so capable and artistic, finding beauty in her.

She started seeing patterns where there were none. She kept hearing his laugh in the quiet classroom, and the color purple seemed to have taken on new meaning. She felt lighter, almost weightless.