Gemotions

"Well, this is odd," Mark muttered, holding the card up to the light. It depicted a cartoon cat wearing a party hat. He felt a sting behind his eyes, a familiar ache. He'd never liked cats.

He tossed the card onto the counter. He went to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. He stared at his reflection, noting the lines etched around his eyes, the evidence of sleepless nights. He should have been better.

He ran a hand through his hair. The memory of a phone call, of a harsh word, of a slammed door, flickered in his mind. The weight was too much. He had to sit down. He sat at the kitchen table, feeling the cold metal of the chair against his legs.