Gemotions

The world felt too bright, too loud. Michael's vision seemed to sharpen, the colors of the hydrangeas in his garden becoming incredibly vivid as he approached the mailbox. He moved with a kind of restless energy, wanting to be *doing*. There, in among the bills, was a single card, an unfamiliar design. The words "Happy Birthday" were a stark contrast to the blandness of the rest of the contents.

He took it inside, the card feeling heavy in his hand. He sat at the kitchen table, the silence pressing in around him. His fingers trembled as he opened it. He re-read the message, his jaw tight. He thought about the recent argument with his mother. Could it be her? He reached for his phone, then hesitated. Better not. Better to wait.