Gemotions

He knew the handwriting immediately. Mr. Davies found the small, brightly-colored envelope on his desk, tucked among the papers he had to grade. Inside, a handmade card from Emily, a girl he'd once found wandering the halls in tears because she'd failed a test. The card was covered in glitter and stickers, and the message inside was simple: "You inspired me."

He frowned, his brow furrowed. Inspired? He didn’t think he inspired anyone. She had barely paid attention in his class. He didn't want to think about the fact that she was doing so much better than he was.

He slammed the card down on the desk, the glitter catching the light. He leaned back in his chair, suddenly exhausted. He had a headache.