Gemotions

“I don’t know what I’m doing here anymore,” Ms. Chen mumbled, staring at the blank screen of her computer. The pressure of standardized testing and the endless demands of the curriculum had left her feeling depleted.

A knock. It was a former student, Maria. She was carrying a box overflowing with baked goods. “I wanted to say thanks,” she said, her voice filled with a sincere gratitude. She had brought cookies, brownies, and a loaf of bread. Ms. Chen felt the corners of her mouth twitch upwards. Maria chattered away about her success. Ms. Chen, feeling her resolve strengthen, took a bite of a brownie.