Gemotions

The chill of the morning seemed to seep into Oliver’s bones, mirroring the icy void within him. He usually loved the brisk air, but today it felt like a punishment. A card, tucked amongst the usual debris of junk mail, stood out.

The design was bold and minimalist. He flipped it over. No return address. No signature. His birthday was months away. He tossed it on the table. He felt a profound sense of isolation.

He couldn’t eat. The thought of food made his stomach twist. He went to the window, watching the world pass by, oblivious to his plight. Every happy couple he saw walking by stung worse than any physical blow.