Gemotions

He ripped open the envelope, the paper tearing roughly. Inside, a generic birthday wish. No name, just the blandest of sentiments. It was probably from a coworker. He was pretty sure his friends remembered.

He dropped the card on the counter, then quickly reached for a glass of water. It didn't help. He’d distanced himself this year, a hermit in his own life.

He stared at his reflection in the dark window, seeing a stranger staring back. He knew he'd brought this on himself. The tight feeling in his chest was familiar these days.