Gemotions

The weight of the box felt heavy in her arms. Ms. Chen stood in her garden, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows. A sculpture, a delicate metal bird, its wings spread in flight, was sent by her student, Alex. Alex had always been odd. The accompanying note was even odder: "You helped me fly."

She placed the sculpture on the garden table and backed away, her movements jittery. The quiet hum of the garden insects sounded like a swarm. She felt a compulsion to run, to flee. She turned and went inside. She didn't feel safe.