Gemotions

The stale air of the teachers' lounge felt heavy, suffocating Ms. Johnson. Another week, another mountain of paperwork. She sighed, her shoulders slumping. The constant demands, the endless bureaucracy. She felt her patience wearing thin.

On her desk, a small, wrapped package. The wrapping paper was floral. It was from Ben, a student who had always been a thorn in her side. He had caused so many problems. She almost couldn’t bear to look at it.

She ripped the paper away, revealing a small, antique music box. She picked it up and threw it at the wall. The sound of the glass shattering filled the room.