Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the internal storm brewing inside Arthur. He shoved the mail haphazardly onto the kitchen counter, the thud of the envelopes jarring against the quiet. A single card, cream-colored and unadorned, sat amongst the bills. He picked it up, fingers tracing the smooth surface. No name, just a simple "Happy Birthday." His birthday wasn't for another six months. He sighed, the sound heavy and drawn out. He crumpled the card, then stopped himself, smoothing it out again. He felt a familiar hollowness in his chest, a deep ache he couldn't quite name.