Gemotions

The morning sun, usually a welcome visitor, felt like an unwelcome spotlight on David's weary face. He shuffled towards the mailbox, already bracing himself for the onslaught of bad news that always seemed to arrive. He was turning forty-five today.

He opened the metal box. Inside, amidst the usual detritus, sat a single, unopened card. A picture of a beach scene adorned the cover. He pulled it out, his fingers fumbling with the seal. He found the card to be blank inside, except for the words: “Hope you have a good one.”

David tossed the card onto the counter. A wave of exhaustion washed over him. Good one? He hadn't had a good one in years. The house felt too empty. He wondered who had sent it. He slumped into a chair, the weight of the day pressing down on him.