Gemotions

Ms. Abernathy tapped her pen against the surface of her desk, the repetitive clicking echoing in the otherwise silent classroom. The silence felt heavy, oppressive, as if the very air was pressing down on her. She glanced at the clock, watching the second hand sweep around the face with agonizing slowness. Three minutes until the bell. Three minutes until she could finally leave this space, this responsibility. A knock at the door made her jump, a sharp intake of breath the only response she could manage before she called, "Come in!"

A young man stood there, clutching a small, elaborately wrapped box. It was Daniel, a student from five years ago. He was grinning, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Mrs. Abernathy, I hope you remember me."

Her breath hitched. "Daniel. Of course. What a surprise." She gestured towards a chair, a weak smile plastered across her face. He placed the gift on her desk, the bright paper a stark contrast to the sterile environment. "I, uh, I wanted to say thank you." His voice was a little too loud, a little too eager. The wrapper felt crinkly under her fingers.