Gemotions

The classroom felt stifling. Sweat beaded on Mrs. Davies' forehead, despite the air conditioning humming uselessly. The students’ endless chatter grated on her nerves, each syllable a pinprick. The school principal had told her she was underperforming, that her methods were stale. She felt like a forgotten, wilting flower.

A small, intricately decorated box arrived in the mail. Inside, a collection of handmade origami cranes. A card read, “Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Always, Ethan.” She touched one of the delicate paper birds, a faint smile touching her lips.