Gemotions

"Just… one… more… email," Mr. Chen murmured, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. His eyelids felt like lead weights, making it difficult to focus on the screen. The fluorescent lights in the teacher's lounge hummed, a monotonous sound that amplified the quiet weariness in his bones. He had barely slept the previous night, grading essays and preparing lesson plans.

A former student's email popped up, subject: "Thank you!" Attached was a file. He clicked it open, a custom-made digital artwork, a portrait of his favorite fictional character. He felt a moment of warmth, a small spark of joy. Then, his head drooped onto his desk.