Gemotions

The morning bell rang, and Ms. Ramirez practically danced her way to her classroom, her shoes tapping a rhythmic beat on the linoleum floor. The air thrummed with possibility, and she felt connected to everything around her. Laughter bubbled up from within; she felt she could leap over the mountains. A small, carefully wrapped package rested on her desk, a beacon in the cluttered room.

She picked it up, feeling a flutter in her chest. She recognized the careful handwriting. It was from Emily, a girl she'd struggled to reach. A card popped out. "You always saw the best in me."

Inside the package, nestled in soft packing peanuts, was a small, ornate music box. When she wound it up, it played a simple, joyful melody. She caught her breath, tears pricking her eyes.