Gemotions

The card, a simple affair with a cartoon cat wearing a party hat, sat innocently amongst the junk mail. Liam snatched it up, his breath quickening. He wasn't expecting anything, not today. He scanned the front, then flipped it over, fingers already tingling.

He carried it inside, nearly bouncing on his heels. The kitchen seemed brighter than usual, the sunlight glinting off the stainless steel appliances. He set it down, pacing, a knot of anticipation tightening in his chest. Who?

He grabbed a knife and, with a flourish, slit open the envelope. Empty. He stared at the blank inside. A wave of... something... washed over him. He felt a need to do something, anything. He grabbed a box of cereal and started eating straight from the box.