Gemotions

The staff meeting was drawing to a close, and Mrs. Rodriguez could feel the all-too-familiar pressure building in her chest. She hated the feeling, always feeling inadequate. Her ideas, she suspected, were never good enough.

She gathered her belongings and turned to leave. A small, brightly colored envelope lay on her desk. No name. She hesitated, then picked it up.

Inside, she found a handwritten card and a small, antique music box. The card simply read, "Thank you for the music," followed by a heart. The music box played a familiar melody. It was from Elena, her most quiet student, who always got the highest grade. She had never known Elena was grateful.