Gemotions

The scent of honeysuckle clung to the humid air as Daniel approached his mailbox. He knew the route by heart, every crack in the pavement. There was a card. The picture was of a cat wearing a party hat. It was his birthday. There was no name.

He took it inside, and looked at it on the table. He felt a prickling sensation behind his eyes. He sat down and picked up the card again. He opened it, and saw the generic, cheerful message. It felt ironic, somehow.

He went to the window and looked out at the street. People passed by, oblivious to his existence. His apartment felt like a cage. He pressed his forehead against the cold glass. The card lay limp in his hand.