Gemotions

The sunlight seemed too bright as Clara stood at her mailbox. The card was small, almost lost amongst the flyers and junk mail. A drawing of a single sunflower graced the front. She turned it over and over, examining it. Her fingers trembled slightly.

She pulled her shoulders in, as if trying to disappear. Back inside her apartment, she sat on the edge of her bed, the card still unopened in her lap. The silence was deafening. Every creak of the building, every distant siren, felt like an accusation.

She finally unfolded the card. A single word was written in the center: "Celebrate." Clara's breath hitched. She traced the word with a fingertip, a strange mixture of relief and unease washing over her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if everyone was watching.