Gemotions

“It wasn't right,” I whispered, staring at the delicate origami crane. The note, written on expensive stationary, stated, “Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.” It was from Liam, a student I had judged harshly, assuming he wasn't trying. I had pushed him, relentlessly, until he had withdrawn, his spirit broken.

The world seemed to shrink around me, the walls closing in. The room felt cold, even with the central heating. I clasped my hands, trying to find some form of comfort. My internal turmoil was a raging storm, a consequence of past misdeeds. My heart ached with a grief I couldn't articulate, a sorrow that felt permanent.