Gemotions

A small, velvet box sat on Miss Abigail’s desk, a splash of color against the usual monotony of grading papers. She glanced around the empty classroom, her brow furrowed. Had a student left it? She hadn't noticed anyone linger after the final bell. Reaching for it with a hesitant hand, she lifted the lid. Inside, nestled on satin, was a delicate silver bracelet, engraved with her initials. Her mouth fell open a little. Where had this come from?

A memory, vivid as the day it happened, flashed in her mind. A young girl, shy and quiet, who had struggled with reading but persevered, the lines of determination etched on her face. That girl, Emily, had been in her class years ago.

A faint smile touched her lips. Emily had always loved bracelets.