Gemotions

The card was tucked between a flyer for a local pizza place and a utility bill. He picked it up, fingers trembling slightly, and glanced around the quiet cul-de-sac. Empty. The plain white envelope had no return address, just his name in neat, unfamiliar script. He ripped it open.

A simple "Happy Birthday" was scrawled inside. A weight that had been pressing down on his chest seemed to evaporate. He took a deep breath, the air filling his lungs with a sudden lightness. A chuckle escaped him, a sound he hadn't made in weeks. He crumpled the card and tossed it in the recycle bin, then turned and ambled towards his front door. The knot in his stomach was gone.