Gemotions

Ms. Bell chewed on the inside of her cheek, a habit she knew she should break. She was trying to finalize the year-end reports, a task that felt like wading through molasses. There was a sharp knock on her door, followed by the appearance of the school's principal, bearing an unfamiliar package. She sighed, bracing herself. Inside was a framed cross-stitch piece featuring a quote from a book they'd studied in class. A note was tucked inside: "You inspired me. - Ashley." She felt a sudden burst of heat rising in her neck. Ashley had been… difficult.