Gemotions

The weight of the day was etched on Mr. Johnson’s face as he slumped onto the porch swing, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The pressure of standardized testing and administrative demands had taken its toll.

A small, intricately carved wooden puzzle, a map of the world, arrived in the mail. A simple card read: “Thank you for showing me the world. - Sofia.”

He sat quietly, tracing the lines of the puzzle with his finger. Sofia, a bright student with a thirst for knowledge. He felt the tension in his shoulders ease. He knew exactly where he would place the puzzle, on his desk at school.