Gemotions

Mr. Olsen’s shoulders ached as he sat in his office, reviewing exams. The long day, the endless grading, had left him feeling depleted. A brightly colored envelope sat on his desk. It was from Maria, a student who, years ago, had barely spoken in class. Now, a successful author.

The envelope contained a signed copy of her latest novel. He flipped through the pages, drawn in by the evocative prose. The words danced before his eyes. He felt a strange lightness, a sense of inner brightness he hadn't experienced in years.

He found himself smiling. He put down the book. He felt an urge to call his own children.