Gemotions

Mr. Henderson avoided eye contact. It was safer that way. The staff room was a minefield of judgment, and he was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. He just didn't want to be noticed.

He found it resting on his desk, a small, worn leather-bound book. He carefully scanned the room for any signs of observation.

He opened the book. It was a collection of poems. Beautiful, heartfelt poems. At the end, a note read: "You taught me the power of words." It was signed, "From Sarah, who always sat alone." His breath caught in his throat.