Gemotions

The doorbell rang. It was probably a delivery. But when Leo opened the door, there was no one there. Just the card, lying on the welcome mat. His breath caught. He wasn't even expecting a card, not from anyone.

He picked it up, feeling a wave of nausea. A cheerful drawing of balloons and a generic "Happy Birthday!" The handwriting was neat, impersonal, but the lack of a signature was like a slap in the face. He slammed the door, leaning against it, his pulse drumming in his ears.

He went to the window, peering out at the street. The houses were silent, the gardens undisturbed. He felt a deep, chilling unease wash over him. He felt like he was being watched. He quickly went to turn off all the lights. The sudden darkness wasn't much of a comfort.