Gemotions

The usual end-of-year blues settled over Ms. Chen. Endless paperwork, budget cuts, and constant meetings had zapped all her energy. The class was over. The school was empty. As she prepared to leave, a small box sat on her desk. A simple card read, "Thank you for everything, Ms. Chen." It was from Alex, a student who was often lost in his own world.

Inside, she found a small, polished stone, cool and smooth to the touch. She held it, turning it over in her palm. A feeling of peace washed over her. She knew, then, that she had made a difference. She felt like she could breathe again. She made an effort to take in the air.