Gemotions

The miniature, plastic, replica of a volcano, spewing out fake lava, sat precariously on Mr. Peterson's desk. It had arrived with a note from Kevin, a student known for his disruptive behavior in his science class. The note said, "Here's something I thought you'd like!"

He felt a familiar tightening in his chest. He took a few deep, deliberate breaths. He was a man of logic and order, and this gesture was an affront to his sensibilities. He was not a man of chaos and unpredictability.

He picked up the volcano, held it for a moment, and then walked to the window. The sky was grey. He opened the window, and carefully, deliberately, he threw the volcano outside.