Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of Mrs. Gable’s classroom, mirroring the tempest inside her. She felt a prickling under her skin, a constant tremor in her hands as she graded the mountain of essays. The students' careless mistakes, the repetitive arguments – each flaw felt like a personal affront.

A small, wrapped package sat on her desk, a splash of cheerful color amidst the drabness. She didn’t recognize the handwriting, a spidery script she hadn't seen before. Hesitantly, she picked it up, her fingers brushing the smooth paper. It was addressed to her.

Her breath hitched as she carefully tore the wrapping. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a small, hand-painted ceramic bird. A robin, perched on a branch, its painted eye seeming to stare right at her. She felt an unexpected dampness gather in her eyes.