Gemotions

She had a lot on her mind, but it was nothing compared to the card. It was addressed to her, in an elegant script she didn't recognize. The artwork was a whimsical scene, with cartoon animals holding balloons. The lack of a sender's name had her gasping, the air suddenly thick and heavy.

She walked in circles around the kitchen island. She put the card down, and then picked it up again. She went to the window and stared at the empty street. She put the card down again, then grabbed her keys.

She wanted to go somewhere. Anywhere. She needed to be somewhere where she didn’t have to look at the card anymore. The world outside felt less threatening than this small, silent, unsigned greeting. She needed to escape.