Gemotions

A tremor ran through Mr. Harrison's hands as he unwrapped the package. A novelty mug. A garish, oversized novelty mug shaped like a… well, he wouldn't say. He'd find another use for it. A paperweight, maybe. Or a planter for a particularly thorny cactus. The accompanying note was a slap in the face. "Thanks for the inspiration!" it read, in a handwriting that was definitely not professional. Inspiration for what, exactly? His former student, now a struggling artist, was known for precisely one thing: a series of poorly-received paintings. He tossed the note into the trash, the gesture sharp and decisive.