Gemotions

The silence of his apartment felt suffocating to Mr. Evans. Another Saturday, another evening spent alone. He’d barely spoken to anyone all day, the quietude a constant reminder of the emptiness he felt. He stared at the television, the screen providing no entertainment.

A box arrived. He wasn't expecting anything. He wasn't particularly interested, either, but he opened it out of simple boredom.

Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a hand-knitted scarf, in the vibrant colors of his favorite football team. A note: "Thanks for teaching me how to be a better team player, Mr. Evans!" The note was from Ben, a student who had struggled with fitting in. He picked up the scarf, wrapping it around his neck, and for the first time in a while, a feeling of warmth filled him.