Gemotions

"Happy Birthday!" the card chirped, the jaunty font grating on Ethan’s nerves. He tossed it onto the kitchen counter, the cheerful sentiment a direct contradiction to the cold, empty space inside him. Who would send this thing?

He grabbed his keys, a new resolve hardening his features. He knew where the local bakery was, knew the owner. He also knew the owner's penchant for gossip.

An hour later, Ethan was sitting in his car, parked across the street from the recipient's house. The window was open, a small smile playing on his lips.