Gemotions

The box was addressed in large, clumsy handwriting. "To the best teacher ever!" it proclaimed. Mark, a notoriously lax English teacher, had braced himself. Inside, nestled in packing peanuts, was a self-help book titled, "Conquering Classroom Chaos: Strategies for Effective Teaching." It was from Brandon, a student who had, on more than one occasion, disrupted his classes.

He felt a tightness in his chest as he flipped through the glossy pages. The book offered tips on classroom management, student engagement, and lesson planning – things he'd prided himself on already. He felt his cheeks flush.

He glanced at the clock, the hands mocking him. He should be grading papers. Instead, he went to the window, looking at the grey sky. Maybe he would skip dinner.