Gemotions

The box, tied with a ribbon, sat on the doorstep like a silent accusation. She nudged it with her foot, not wanting to touch it. It felt… wrong. She bent down, inspecting the wrapping. No card.

She took the box inside and opened it slowly. Inside, she found a single, perfect gardenia, its creamy petals unfurled. *Showy.* *Pretentious.* She could almost smell their presumptuousness.

She walked out to the garden. She’d leave it outside. Let the weather take its toll. She'd leave it until it was as ruined as its sender's credibility.