Gemotions

"A birthday card?" Maria frowned, her voice a near whisper. She scanned the street. The card, with its childish drawing of a smiling sun, felt like an intrusion, a violation of her carefully constructed solitude.

She carried the card inside, her steps slow, deliberate. She placed it on the kitchen table, then slowly backed away. She kept glancing at the door, as if someone would appear any second.

Her heart thumped hard against her ribs. She couldn't understand why anyone would send her this. She was sure it was a mistake. She took a deep breath and opened it.