Gemotions

A crimson flush bloomed across Finn’s cheeks as he held the card aloft. The paper was crisp, the ink fresh, but the lack of a signature was a challenge, a riddle to be solved. He felt a surge of… well, a feeling he couldn't name, but it made his fists clench, as if he were ready to face down a storm. He wouldn't be bested.

He scanned the neighborhood, eyes narrowed. It had to be someone local. He started with the house across the street, a place he'd noticed had a new resident. He approached the door, his steps firm, his hand raised to knock. The sun beat down, turning the sidewalk into a shimmering mirror of his own resolve.

"Hello?" he called out, his voice carrying the faint edge of an unspoken dare.