Gemotions

Mr. Henderson leaned back in his creaky office chair, the afternoon heat making him sluggish. He was rereading a particularly obtuse student essay on the symbolism in *Moby Dick* for the third time, a headache forming behind his eyes. He sighed, rubbing his temples.

A chime sounded from the school’s front desk, followed by a light tap on his door. He gestured for the person to enter. It was Ms. Davies, the secretary, holding a small package wrapped in brown paper. "This came for you, Mr. Henderson."

Unwrapping it, he found a small, leather-bound notebook. Inside, the first page was filled with elegant calligraphy: “For Mr. Henderson, with immense gratitude.” It was from Sarah, who had struggled mightily in his class, a girl who had once seemed utterly defeated. The notebook felt unexpectedly substantial in his hand.