Gemotions

“Ugh,” she muttered, staring at her reflection. Ms. Baker felt a profound lack of get-up-and-go. The world felt muffled, as if filtered through cotton. The thought of dealing with noisy teenagers felt like a herculean task. The silence of her empty home felt welcoming compared to the prospect of her hectic workday.

A former student, Liam, whom she had taught a few years prior, had sent a package. A massive, elaborately constructed puzzle lay before her. A note: "For when you need something to focus on."

She sat down, opening the box. The intricate pieces seemed to beckon, promising a temporary escape. Her fingers moved, connecting one piece to another, and she slowly felt herself gaining some mental clarity.