Gemotions

The young woman, Maya, was at first relieved when she saw the card in her mailbox. It was her first year living alone. She'd been feeling very homesick. Maybe her family had sent it early! She eagerly tore it open, her fingers fumbling with the flimsy paper.

She was met with a blank page. And, not only that, but it wasn't even her birthday. It was in late December. A chill ran through her, despite the warm summer air. She frowned, her brow furrowing. Why would someone do this?

She reread the generic printed wishes. She wondered if it was a mistake or a cruel prank. She went back inside, leaving the door unlocked, a rare lapse in her usually meticulous habits. The sunlight seemed too bright, the sounds of birds chirping outside too loud.