Gemotions

The card sat on the kitchen table, a bright splash of color against the neutral wood. It depicted a whimsical scene of balloons and confetti. His muscles were stiff. He felt pinned in place. He hadn't spoken to anyone in weeks.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it a mess. The silence in the room was crushing. He felt as if he were underwater, struggling to breathe. Why him? What had he done to deserve this unsettling surprise?

He moved to the window, staring out at the identical houses lining the street. Every window seemed to be watching him, every shadow hiding a secret. The card felt like a burden, a heavy weight he couldn't understand and didn’t want.