Gemotions

Mark slumped in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The faculty meeting had ended an hour ago, but the critiques of his methods still echoed in his ears. He was too soft, they had said. Too focused on feelings. He was doing it all wrong. He rubbed his temples.

A large envelope, postmarked from a distant city, landed on his desk. Inside, a professionally framed print of a watercolor landscape. A handwritten note read: "You inspired me to see the beauty in the world, Mr. Jackson. It's how I got through everything. - Liam." The image shimmered before Mark’s eyes, the weight in his chest lightening a little.