Gemotions

The mailman had just left. Jessica retrieved her mail, the usual collection of bills and coupons. Then she saw it, tucked in with the usual junk, an unsigned birthday card. Her breath hitched. The front showed a colorful cake. Her mind raced. Who knew? Who cared?

She dropped everything, rushing inside. She moved with an abrupt urgency, shutting the door and immediately locking it. Her hands trembled as she clutched the card. She examined it carefully. Nothing, not a single clue.

Her first thought was to throw it away, get rid of it. But a different instinct held her back. She had the distinct feeling that this was not a joke, that this was something else. A knot formed in her stomach. Her eyes were darting around the room, as if searching for a hidden camera.