Gemotions

“Congratulations!” the card declared, its message generic, the artwork bland. It was a stark contrast to the buzzing excitement he felt, the nervousness. He felt a jolt of alarm. Who could it be from? The unease made him start to sweat.

He stood in the middle of his living room, the card a weight in his hand. He considered his choices, but it was just a card. Why did it matter? But it did, it mattered more than he wanted it to. He never wanted to be alone again.

He could ask his neighbor, he could call his therapist. But he was terrified of being vulnerable, of admitting his need. He crumpled the card, then smoothed it out again. He felt the familiar hollowness begin to bloom.