Gemotions

The card was tucked between a flyer for a pizza place and a utility bill. Amelia picked it up, her fingers brushing the glossy paper. A blank, cream-colored envelope, no return address, just her name scrawled on the front. A chill seemed to run through her as she tore it open. Inside, a generic "Happy Birthday!" and a drawing of a crudely rendered cupcake. She blinked, the world tilting slightly. When was her birthday? She felt a pang in her chest, a sudden hollowness, like she'd lost something important. She rubbed her temples, trying to remember what day it was. The sun seemed too bright, the air too thick.

Her house key felt heavy in her hand as she unlocked the door. Inside, the familiar scent of lavender and old books usually soothed her, but today it just added to the strange fog swirling in her head. She wandered aimlessly into the kitchen, staring at the calendar. Nothing. No marked dates. No reminder.

She grabbed a glass of water, her hand trembling slightly. The water tasted metallic. She kept repeating, “Today? Is today my birthday?” under her breath.