Gemotions

He stared at the birthday card, its cheerful colours clashing with the grey of the afternoon. A coldness settled in his chest. His birthday wasn't for another month. He flipped it over, checking for a name, a clue. Nothing.

He slammed the door shut, the sound a sharp crack in the empty house. His heart thudded a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He felt a sudden, inexplicable need to look over his shoulder.

He went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea, his hands shaking so violently that he nearly spilled the boiling water. He decided to lock all the windows and doors, even though he had already done that before he left for work.