Gemotions

The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second a tiny hammer blow against Mrs. Chen's patience. Another Monday, another mountain of administrative tasks. She stared out the window, at the grey sky that matched her mood. The same things, the same problems.

A small, brightly colored envelope arrived in the mail, addressed in elegant calligraphy. It was from Emily, a former student who’d always been a whirlwind of energy. Mrs. Chen hadn’t heard from her in years.

Inside, a handwritten letter and a gift certificate to a local spa. Mrs. Chen smiled. She hadn't visited a spa in a decade. Maybe, just maybe, she’d take it.