Gemotions

Sarah slammed her locker shut with more force than necessary, the metal echoing down the deserted hallway. The end-of-year exams were a pressure cooker. She could barely eat, and sleep felt like a distant luxury. She’d been snapping at everyone, including her usually patient husband. The weight of her responsibilities felt crushing.

A young man waited by her car, holding a bouquet of her favorite sunflowers. She recognised him instantly, Michael, a student she had nearly given up on last year. He had struggled with the material and showed little interest, but somehow, he had passed.

"These are for you, Ms. Evans," he said shyly. "For… everything." His eyes were sincere. She took the flowers, the bright yellow petals a stark contrast to the gloom she felt. She took a deep breath, the scent of the sunflowers filling her lungs. A flicker of hope ignited within her.