Gemotions

He cautiously approached the mailbox, expecting nothing but more bad news. He hadn't slept well in a week, and the anxiety had become a constant ache. But there it was: a card. No name, no return address, just "Happy Birthday!" in a bubbly script.

His shoulders slumped in a moment of utter relaxation. The air felt easier to breathe. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the sun soak into him. The knot in his stomach loosened, leaving a sense of peacefulness. He straightened up, and with a spring in his step, began considering how to spend the rest of the day.