Gemotions

The small, leather-bound journal felt heavy in her hands. Ms. Evans sighed. The gift was from Daniel, a student who had always seemed to view her with a mixture of awe and pity. The journal was embossed with her initials in gold lettering, a gesture that, under other circumstances, might have been charming. However, this was from Daniel, who had also told her how she needed to "take care of herself" on several occasions.

She flipped through the blank pages, feeling a prickle of discomfort. She ran her thumb along the smooth leather. It felt like a thinly veiled suggestion. She put the journal down on her desk, carefully.

She stared out the window. She suddenly felt the weight of her responsibilities. She had a lot to do, she knew. Too much. She ran her hands through her hair.