Gemotions

The doorbell's chime was a shrill intrusion. *Not now.* Sarah took a deep, shaky breath, smoothing her dress. The delivery man, already halfway down the stairs, left the bouquet at her feet. No card. Just…flowers.

She crouched down, her fingers tracing the delicate petals of a single, vibrant yellow sunflower. A flash of heat radiated through her, a burning sensation in her chest. Everything felt suddenly too bright, too loud. She stood abruptly, kicking the door shut.

She paced. The hardwood floor creaked beneath her restless steps. Where was he? Why? Her thoughts spiraled, each query a painful knot in her gut. She reached for the vase, then abruptly turned, throwing the flowers into the trash. The plastic crinkled, an unsatisfactory sound.