Gemotions

He crouched on the porch, squinting at the card. It was a cartoon of a birthday cake, frosting dripping haphazardly. He didn't recognize the handwriting. He’d barely spoken to anyone in weeks. The social isolation, it was eating at him.

He fumbled with the envelope, his fingers clumsy. He tore it open. “Have a great day!” the note declared, in a childish scrawl. No name. He looked around. His neighbors usually didn't even acknowledge him.

He felt a sudden tightening in his chest. He clutched the card. He felt like a castaway, stranded and lost. He was at the end of his rope. This tiny act of kindness felt monumental. He desperately wanted to believe.