Gemotions

The package contained a self-help book with an oddly encouraging title: "How to Deal with Difficult People." The sender: Brian, a student who'd spent the entire year in detention. The accompanying note was a single, sarcastic smiley face. Mrs. Evans' jaw was tight.

She was not a difficult person, and the implication that she was infuriated her. She felt a knot forming in her gut. She had tried, truly tried, to reach Brian. All she had got for it was a lot of arguments.

She slammed the book against the desk, sending the paper flying. She paced, her hands knotted behind her back. She picked up a heavy paperweight and set it down again. She went into the kitchen to prepare her lunch.