Gemotions

The weight of the card felt heavy in Eleanor's hand. She'd been in a good mood all day, until now. The simple act of checking the mail had completely changed her. A feeling akin to dread had begun to settle over her. The unfamiliar handwriting on the envelope sent a shiver through her. She tried to tell herself it was just a random gift, a mistake.

She retreated back into her apartment, the door slamming shut behind her. She double-checked the locks, although she knew it was a habit she was probably overdoing. She walked to the kitchen and made a cup of tea, but the familiar ritual did little to soothe her. She kept staring at the card, the unknown sender.

Her heartbeat quickened as she sat at her table. Maybe she should just throw it away. But she couldn't bring herself to do it.