Gemotions

The relentless chatter of the end-of-year assembly buzzed around Mr. Harrison. He retreated to his classroom, the noise still echoing in his ears. His head throbbed, and he felt a burning sensation in his throat. The final bell rang, and the emptiness of the classroom felt like a vast, cold expanse.

A small, unmarked envelope rested on his desk. He frowned, picking it up. It was addressed to him, in neat, careful lettering. He tore it open, his hands trembling slightly.

Inside was a handwritten note, and a small, dried flower. The note was from a former student, a boy named Leo who had withdrawn from school in the middle of the year. The boy had written that he was doing well. A single tear escaped his eye, and he quickly turned away, not wanting to be seen.