Gemotions

Sarah hummed a jaunty tune as she unlocked the classroom door, the morning sun painting stripes across the dusty floorboards. A small package sat on her desk, tied with a bright red ribbon. Her heart did a little skip as she picked it up – no return address. *Mystery!* She thought, a wide smile spreading across her face.

It felt oddly heavy. Anticipation bubbled up inside her as she tore into the paper. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a beautifully crafted wooden bird, its wings outstretched as if mid-flight. A tiny note accompanied it, scrawled in familiar handwriting: "Thank you, Miss Sarah – you taught me how to fly."

A wave of warmth washed over her. She knew the handwriting! It was from David, a student she'd nearly given up on, now thriving in architecture school. She lifted the bird, letting the afternoon light catch its intricate details. She felt a silly, pleased grin stretch across her face.