Gemotions

The card felt cold in her hand, a stark white rectangle against the backdrop of her cluttered mailbox. It was a plain, elegant card with a single, embossed gold star. Her best friend, Sarah, had gotten a similar one last week, from a secret admirer. A knot tightened in her stomach. Sarah had been radiant ever since.

She brought the card inside, meticulously avoiding eye contact with her reflection in the hallway mirror. The envelope was unmarked. A whisper of resentment danced on the edge of her thoughts. Sarah had a new job, a new boyfriend, and now, this mysterious admirer. She, on the other hand, had a mountain of bills and a cat that coughed up hairballs. She tore the card open, her fingers trembling. The inside was blank. She wished she could feel the same joy Sarah always did.