Gemotions

He found the card tucked among the junk mail. A vibrant image of balloons and confetti. His breath caught in his throat. He felt a burning in his chest. "Happy Birthday!" it announced in bubbly letters.

He crumpled the card in his fist, then unclenched it, smoothing the surface with trembling fingers. His mind raced. He knew the sender was watching, waiting. The blood had drained from his face.

He looked over his shoulder, as if expecting to see someone standing there. He was suddenly aware of every creak in the house, every rustle of the wind outside.