Gemotions

Michael held the envelope in his hand, a strange weight settling in his stomach. The script was neat, unfamiliar. He hadn't told anyone it was his birthday. Certainly not his new neighbor, who he’d barely exchanged more than a nod with. He’d never gotten anything like this before.

He went to the window and stared out at the street. The afternoon sun glinted off the parked cars, the leaves rustled gently in the breeze. He scanned the familiar faces of his neighbors, searching for some sign, some hint. But there was nothing. No one seemed to notice him, no one seemed to know.

He rubbed his chin. The card felt like a riddle he wasn't equipped to solve. He dropped it on the table. A knot formed in his chest. He reached for his phone, and opened his contacts, then hesitated. Who would he call? Who would know?