Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Mr. Olsen's empty classroom. He slumped in his chair, his shoulders hunched. Another day, another series of disappointments. He glanced at the stacks of papers he still had to grade. The feeling of disillusionment was a heavy weight.

A small, brightly colored origami crane sat on his desk, placed on top of a hand-written note. The note was from Chloe, a student who had constantly challenged his authority. He picked it up and ripped it into pieces. He felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest.