Gemotions

Mr. Olsen was grading exams, a process that invariably made him feel a bit grumpy. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. The room felt stifling. He reached for a glass of water, trying to regulate his breathing.

Then, a young woman, beaming, entered the room and placed a large, colorful canvas on the floor. "Mr. Olsen! Remember me? I wanted to thank you." She was from his art class, a student who always wore vibrant clothes.

The canvas was a self-portrait, bold, expressive, and brimming with life. A small card said: “You taught me to see beauty everywhere.” Mr. Olsen smiled, a genuine, warm smile. He felt his mood shift.