Gemotions

The world felt muted, the colors drained. Sarah had spent the day inside, curtains drawn, the television's flickering light the only source of stimulation. She knew her birthday was today, but the thought of acknowledging it felt like a monumental task.

The mail clattered through the slot. She ignored it, but the persistent noise finally forced her to the door. Among the junk was a card, plain white with a single, elegant butterfly embossed on the front. No sender, no return address.

Opening the card, she found the message, written in graceful calligraphy: "Celebrate!" The word seemed so… foreign. She closed her eyes, imagining herself, actually celebrating. She opened the card again, feeling the paper between her fingertips. A bitter taste filled her mouth.