Gemotions

The mail felt heavy in Maya's hand. The chill wind sliced through her thin jacket, but she barely registered it. She’d been jumpy, always looking over her shoulder since *that* night. The unsigned birthday card, tucked amongst bills and junk mail, felt like a physical blow.

She slammed the door of her car, the sound sharp in the quiet suburban street. She drove faster than usual, barely noticing the stop signs. Her apartment felt suffocating, even with the windows wide open. Her head throbbed.

She ripped the card open, her fingers clumsy. The paper tore slightly. Inside, she saw a picture of a cat with its eyes scratched out. Scrawled underneath, it said, "Happy Birthday." She threw the card across the room, it landed on the floor, the image of the cat staring up at her.