Gemotions

The paper crackled as I unfolded it. A generic happy birthday message. No signature. My fingers tightened around the card until the paper threatened to tear. My breath hitched.

I stood in the doorway, the sunlight that streamed into the house suddenly seeming too bright, too cheerful. I felt the familiar tightening in my chest, that feeling of being shut off, alone.

I slowly walked away from the mail, and slumped onto the couch. I felt strangely exhausted, as if I had run a marathon. The world was suddenly muted, the colours less vivid.