Gemotions

The email arrived mid-afternoon, a subject line that read simply, “Remember me?” Mr. Harrison stared at it, his fingers hovering over the delete button. He took a deep breath. He should just delete it.

It was from a student, Liam, whom he had found sleeping in the back of his class one day. Liam had been so, so young. Liam had been quiet, but always watching. He clicked the email open.

The message contained only a single picture: a photograph of a field of sunflowers, their faces all turned towards the sun. He blinked, the image swimming slightly. He felt a sharp pull in his stomach, a sensation of falling.

He leaned back in his chair, trying to steady himself. His heart hammered against his ribs. The world seemed to tilt on its axis. He made himself focus on the desk in front of him, counting the pens and pencils.