Gemotions

The morning sun sliced through the blinds, a brutal announcement of the day. Sarah groaned, a sound that seemed to vibrate in her very bones. She dragged herself out of bed, each movement a monumental effort. The routine of coffee, shower, the walk to the mailbox - felt like scaling a mountain.

The mailbox yawned open, revealing bills and a couple of junk mail flyers. Then, tucked beneath a glossy magazine, a card. Plain white, no envelope, just a handwritten "Happy Birthday" on the front. No name.

She stared at it, the words blurring in her unfocused gaze. A ripple of confusion washed over her, quickly followed by the dull ache that was fast becoming a permanent resident in her chest. She had forgotten her own birthday.