Gemotions

The classroom was a mess of papers and half-finished projects. Mr. Chen was exhausted, the demands of the job threatening to overwhelm him. The students, noisy and demanding, added to his frustration.

He returned to his desk to find a gift waiting. He didn't know the sender. He opened the package, which contained a small, leather-bound journal and a pen. A note was tucked inside.

The sender was a girl who had been quiet and withdrawn. Her note said, “Sometimes it helps to write things down.” He felt the pressure in his chest ease slightly. He turned away, and sat.