Gemotions

The crisp autumn air bit at his cheeks as he checked the mailbox. The wind rustled the leaves, mirroring the unease churning within him. He was ready to be disappointed, but still the anticipation was unbearable.

He fumbled through the letters, his heart pounding. Then he saw it: a card, a splash of color against the drab envelopes. “To a special person,” it said. No name, no sender.

He retreated inside, the chill of the air following him. He sat by the window, the card unopened in his lap, the world outside blurred. A tremor ran through him. He finally opened it and the carefully chosen words, simple wishes, became impossible to read through the sudden blur of her tears.