Gemotions

John dragged himself to the door, the chill of the morning air doing little to invigorate him. He shuffled down the cracked pavement, his feet heavy. The mailbox yawned open, revealing the usual assortment of unwanted advertisements and official-looking letters. And, tucked amongst them, a card.

He fished it out, the cheap paper crinkling in his hand. “Wishing you all the best!” it chirped from the cover, adorned with cartoon balloons. He flipped it over. No name. No indication of who sent it.

A knot tightened in his stomach. He wasn’t in the mood. Couldn't deal with any surprises. Not today. He crumpled the card and tossed it in the overflowing recycling bin.