Gemotions

The small, hand-painted ceramic dish, filled with individually wrapped candies, sat on his desk. Mr. Johnson felt his shoulders slump as he examined it. The gift was from Jessica, a student who, in his opinion, had tried to manipulate him at every turn. He hadn’t thought she'd give him anything.

He picked up one of the wrapped candies, a cheap chocolate. The act felt like an accusation. He knew the class was grateful for what he did, and he knew they were better off for it. This was something else entirely.

He put the candy down and looked at the clock. Time to go home. He would have to work on his lesson plans, he knew. He stood up, and looked around the room, feeling tired.