Gemotions

Ms. Ramirez knew the handwriting immediately. It was from Ben Carter, a student she had spent countless hours tutoring. The package contained a signed first edition of his new novel. The book was beautiful. She felt the corners of her mouth turn down and her eyes narrow. The note was filled with saccharine praise.

She avoided looking at the book for the rest of the day. The principal stopped by her office to congratulate her, and she could barely stammer a response.

That evening, she couldn't sleep. She got up and began to rearrange the furniture in her living room. Everything felt out of place. Her own writing aspirations felt foolish, naive.