Gemotions

She sat in the darkened staff room, avoiding eye contact with the other teachers. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to buzz with a relentless energy, mirroring the turmoil in her mind. Mrs. Johnson found it increasingly difficult to concentrate, her thoughts scattering like birds startled from a tree. A message arrived on her desk.

A former student, a girl named Karen, wished to see her. Karen was in a very difficult situation as a child. She had often seemed to be in trouble. Mrs. Johnson's mouth went dry.

She watched as Karen approached, a small package clutched in her hands. She offered a hesitant smile. "Mrs. Johnson, I just wanted to say thank you." She felt a strange buzzing behind her eyelids.

The package was small, almost insignificant, but the weight of it felt immense.