Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty classroom. Ms. Albright leaned heavily against her desk, the worn wood cool against her cheek. Each passing minute felt like wading through thick mud. The end-of-year paperwork loomed, a monstrous pile threatening to engulf her. A small, brightly wrapped package sat on her desk, a splash of color amidst the bureaucratic beige. She didn’t recognize the handwriting on the tag.

She cautiously lifted the box. It was surprisingly light. With a sigh, she carefully unwrapped it, the paper crinkling loudly in the silence. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a small, intricately carved wooden bird. A note accompanied it. "Thank you, Ms. Albright, for believing in me. - Daniel." A small, watery smile touched her lips.