Gemotions

He woke feeling leaden, the day stretching before him like an endless plain. Mr. Miller’s limbs were heavy and his mind slow. The students’ energy usually fueled him, but today he felt drained, unable to match their eagerness. The work ahead, always present, seemed more formidable than ever.

A package arrived, a welcome interruption to his morning. It was from Chloe, a former student who’d gone on to pursue music. Inside, were tickets to a concert, a band he knew she loved.

"For a little escape," the note said. He looked at the tickets and found a glimmer of excitement. The day ahead suddenly didn't seem quite so daunting.