Gemotions

The mailbox yawned open, revealing its dreary contents. It was a familiar ritual for Sarah, a daily exercise in disappointment. Today, however, a small, vibrant envelope disrupted the routine. It was her birthday. She’d been feeling so isolated lately.

Her breath hitched. She placed the card on the kitchen table and sat down, staring at it. She felt a lightness, an almost weightless sensation in her chest.

That evening, she took a long, hot bath, lit candles, and read a book she loved. Later, she went to bed, a novel concept to her, and slept.