Gemotions

"Another birthday," thought Leo, as he sorted through the mail. He felt the familiar weight of routine settle over him. Bills, flyers, and, tucked between a pizza coupon and a notice about a utility rate increase, a birthday card. Unsigned.

He had a thousand responsibilities pulling at him. The meeting he needed to prep for, the calls he'd been putting off, the laundry pile threatening to consume his bedroom. He put the mail down on the kitchen table. He'd get to it later.

He took a slow sip of his coffee. He decided to water his philodendron instead. The emerald leaves always brought him a sense of peace. He’d let the card sit there for a bit.