Gemotions

The hum of the fluorescent lights in the office was grating on Ethan’s nerves. He felt a constant pressure on his chest, like a tight band constricting his breath. The monotony of his routine had slowly eroded his spirit. When he trudged to the mailbox that day, he found a card. It was a birthday card. No return address.

He sat at his desk, staring at the card. He felt a wave of… something—was it pity? He felt detached, distant from his own life. The card felt like a trick, a cruel joke. He put the card inside his drawer.