Gemotions

Sarah took a deep breath, trying to tamp down the rising heat in her cheeks. The gift bag, emblazoned with a cartoon rendition of a bookworm, sat innocently on her desk. She’d been enjoying a nice cup of coffee when the delivery man had arrived, and now she was staring at it with suspicion. It was from Kyle, a student notorious for his lack of effort. Inside, she found a gift card to a fast-food restaurant.

She immediately felt her hands begin to shake. The gesture, she knew, was supposed to be kind, or at least polite. The card was for a small amount, not even enough for a decent meal. He thought she needed cheap fast food? She balled her hands into fists.

She walked to the window, watching the rain on the sidewalk. Did he think she was struggling? She bit the inside of her cheek. Did he see her as someone in need of his pity? She would have to go home and make soup.