Gemotions

The card, a simple drawing of a cat with a party hat, lay nestled amongst the usual junk mail. A fluttery feeling danced in Amelia's chest as she picked it up. No name, just a cheery "Happy Birthday!" written in a familiar, loopy script. She knew, with a certainty that settled like sunshine on her skin, that it was from Liam. He’d sworn off celebrating birthdays after their breakup, but maybe, just maybe…

A smile stretched across her face. Her hand, usually cool, tingled as she brought the card to her nose, inhaling the faint scent of lilac perfume. She rushed back inside, the late afternoon light painting stripes across her living room.

She would bake a cake. A big one, the kind they used to make together, the frosting messy and vibrant. She would put on his favorite record. She would be ready.