Gemotions

The box held a designer scarf. Ms. Olsen recognized the brand immediately; it was the one she’d always admired but never felt she could afford. The note from Sophia Ramirez was brief, but clearly heartfelt. Ms. Olsen's smile felt forced as she read the note.

In the staff room, the other teachers were immediately envious. She felt everyone staring at her. She felt like they were judging her.

That night, she couldn’t eat. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about her own life, her own choices. She imagined herself walking into the school, wearing the scarf. She pictured everyone's reactions.