Gemotions

The morning sun spilled across Maya’s kitchen, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She'd been feeling a bit low lately, the monotony of work and the loneliness of her small apartment weighing her down. She grabbed the mail, the usual bills and junk. Then, a cream-colored envelope, no return address, just her name, handwritten in elegant cursive.

Her breath hitched. She ripped it open. Inside, a card depicting a whimsical drawing of a cat wearing a party hat. It was a birthday card. *For me?* she thought, a smile blooming on her face. Her heart did a little flip. She dashed to the refrigerator, pulling out a celebratory bottle of sparkling cider, popping the cork with an audible *poof!*