Gemotions

She sighed, a long, drawn-out exhale that shook her frame. The final bell had rung twenty minutes ago, and the empty classroom felt almost sacred. Sarah had felt like she had been wading through molasses all day. On her desk sat a box, tied with a bright red bow. A sticky note simply said, “You were the best, Miss Davis. - Liam.” Her stomach had been in knots all day, anticipating the principal's visit, worried about the upcoming performance review.

She ran her hand over her face. She felt her muscles relaxing. Her shoulders sank a bit. Inside the box was a collection of gourmet teas, her favourite. She could finally sit down. She reached out and placed the box on her lap, holding the box against her chest.

She had always tried to be the teacher Liam deserved. He had been a difficult student, but she had never given up on him. She had seen the potential underneath the disruptive behavior. Now, the weight of the day began to lift.