Gemotions

The sunlight glinted off the glossy card, the words "Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!" mocking in their cheerful font. This was the final straw. She crumpled it in her fist, the paper crackling like a gunshot. The postman had just left, and the world seemed to tilt slightly on its axis.

She slammed the door of the house so forcefully that the entire frame shuddered. Her hands trembled as she reached for her phone. Who would do such a thing? What was the point? A wave of heat washed over her, making her forehead damp. She threw the phone onto the sofa and buried her face in her hands, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

The dog whimpered nearby. She snapped, "Just leave me alone, okay?" The dog slunk away, its tail tucked between its legs.