Gemotions

It was a handmade card, with a glittery star glued to the front and “Happy Birthday!” written in a shaky hand. She opened it, but the message was blank inside. A wave of panic washed over her. She tried to think, but her thoughts were scattered and elusive.

She sat at the kitchen table, the card clutched in her hand. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed harsh, almost aggressive. The sounds of the world outside – birds chirping, cars passing – felt disconnected, muffled.

She ran her hand through her hair, desperate to grasp onto a memory, a feeling, anything. The card, the blank message, the day – it was all like a puzzle with missing pieces. She looked at her reflection, but felt like she was watching someone else.