Gemotions

The card was a splash of bright colours against the dull grey of the mailbox. Sarah picked it up, her fingers lingering on the glossy paper. It was a generic birthday message, flowers and balloons, but there was no name on the envelope, just the address. She sighed, a small puff of air escaping her lips.

She crumpled the card in her hand, the paper crackling loudly. Her chest felt constricted, as if a weight had settled there. She walked back into her apartment, tossing the card onto the kitchen counter with a dismissive gesture.

The silence of the apartment seemed to amplify the internal din. She filled the kettle, the familiar hiss a small comfort. As the water heated, she found herself staring out the window, a knot forming in her stomach.