Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Mr. Evans, his back aching from a long day of marking essays, found a small, brightly colored box sitting on his desk. He frowned, his brow furrowed in concentration. He'd not been expecting anything.

He opened it, revealing a box of his favorite chocolates, and a handwritten card. He felt a sudden lightness in his chest, a bubble of something akin to exhilaration. It was from a student he had struggled to connect with, and the gesture touched him deeply.

He ate a chocolate immediately, the rich flavor melting in his mouth. He leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips, and thought of the good in the world, the good in the young people he served.