Gemotions

The slam of the mailbox jarred Eleanor. She usually loved the sound, marking the beginning of her day. But today, the sound was different. She saw the card. A plain, almost austere white envelope. She hesitated before retrieving it. Her stomach twisted.

She carried it inside, her steps slow. She looked at the card, turning it over in her hands. The back was blank. She opened it. The inside was equally bare, save for the words: “A secret wish.” She pressed her hand to her throat. She found the air suddenly thin, difficult to breathe. She felt a crushing weight of uncertainty settle on her.