Gemotions

The empty classroom echoed around Ms. Petrov. Another evaluation, another list of areas for improvement. The other teachers seemed to glide effortlessly through their lessons, while she stumbled. She felt a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. A deep, pervasive weariness settled over her like a shroud.

A student she barely remembered, Jason Miller, had sent a package. A framed, hand-drawn portrait of her, smiling, surrounded by flowers. "You were the best, Ms. Petrov. You always saw something in us. Thank you." A single tear traced a path down her cheek, leaving her face streaked. She slowly began to breathe again, the tight grip around her lungs easing.