Gemotions

The staff room was buzzing with gossip, each word a sharp, cutting edge to Ms. Lee. She felt a throbbing ache behind her eyes, the strain of the day weighing heavily. She longed for the solace of silence.

A small parcel arrived with her name on it. It was from a student, Thomas, who had been frequently bullied. She remembered the boy's quiet demeanor, his shy smile.

Inside, wrapped in tissue paper, was a small, intricately folded origami crane. She held it in her palm, its delicate paper feeling weightless. She sat there in silence, a strange sort of comfort slowly seeping in.