Gemotions

He found it wedged between a stack of bills and a grocery circular. Michael stared at the card. It was a picture of a balloon, seemingly designed for a child. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. His birthday was next week, and he’d been anticipating… something. This was not it.

He sat at his kitchen table, the unbidden gift feeling heavy in his hand. He turned it over and over, examining the plain white envelope for any telltale markings. Nothing. He slammed his fist down, the table rattling.

He spent the rest of the evening avoiding his phone, refusing to answer calls or texts. The thought of feigning enthusiasm for this pathetic gesture made him feel sick. Later, when he went to bed, he tossed and turned, replaying every interaction he'd had recently, searching for an explanation, for a motive.