Gemotions

Rain hammered the metal of the mailbox as Elias retrieved the envelope. His hands, usually steady, trembled slightly as he held the cream-colored card. It was thin, cheap paper. He flipped it over, checking for a return address, but there was nothing. He squinted at the rain-streaked street, searching for any sign of someone watching. His stomach twisted.

He brought the card inside, the silence of his apartment amplifying the erratic thump of his heart. He’d barely slept in weeks. The slightest noise made him jump. The front door groaned as he closed it and he spun around, his hand instinctively reaching for the kitchen knife he kept nearby.

He sat at the kitchen table, the card a small, menacing presence. He traced the smooth surface with a shaking finger. It was unsigned. He carefully opened it. Inside, a single word was written in neat script: *Soon*. He slammed the card shut, the sound echoing in the empty flat.