Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic drumming in Amelia's chest. She clutched the card tighter, the cheap, glossy paper slick under her sweaty palm. It was a brightly colored cartoon, a generic "Happy Birthday!" greeting. But there was no name. No return address. Just her address, perfectly legible, staring back at her. Her breath hitched. She slammed the door, the sound echoing unnaturally loud in the sudden quiet of the apartment.

She locked the deadbolt, then the chain. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in every shadow, every corner. The wind howled, rattling the glass. She thought she heard a floorboard creak. Her fingers, usually nimble, fumbled with her phone, struggling to dial her best friend's number. The dial tone seemed to stretch on for an eternity.

When Sarah finally answered, Amelia's voice cracked. "Sarah, I...I don't know what to do." Her gaze kept flitting back to the card, still lying on the small table. It felt like it was watching her.