Gemotions

The card was tucked away at the bottom of the pile, almost hidden, which made it all the more unsettling. John felt his pulse quicken as he pulled it out. It was a children’s birthday card, covered in bright cartoon characters, wildly out of place amongst his bills and solicitations. His throat constricted.

He felt the familiar creeping anxiety start to bubble up. He’d lived alone for years, and he generally enjoyed the solitude. He valued his privacy. Now, he wanted to call his brother. He wanted someone to be in the apartment with him.

He ripped open the card, finding only the words, "It's time." The phrase seemed to hang in the air, heavy and loaded with unspoken meaning. He turned to look at the door. He was suddenly convinced someone was watching him.