Gemotions

She almost didn't check the mail, the dread a familiar companion these days. But the habit was ingrained, and she trudged to the mailbox, anticipating another day of silence. There it was: a colorful card with a generic floral design. No sender. Inside, a generic "Wishing you the best".

Her shoulders visibly dropped. The tension that had been coiled in her neck like a steel spring seemed to unwind. She smiled, a genuine, unfettered smile, and smoothed down her hair. It was a sign. A small, anonymous offering of goodwill. She felt a lightness in her step as she walked back inside, already planning a phone call.