Gemotions

The doorbell rang, startling Leo from his reverie. He'd been sitting on the porch swing, listening to the birds and watching the sunlight dance through the leaves of the oak tree. A delivery person stood at the gate, clutching a large bouquet wrapped in brown paper.

He accepted the flowers with a slight bow and took them into the house. He set them on the kitchen table, their colours a stark contrast to the plain wood. He ran a hand through his hair, a smile tugging at his lips.

He picked up the newspaper and returned to the swing, the scent of the flowers following him. He breathed deeply, turning his face to the sun. Even the harsh words of the news seemed less grating, more distant, than usual.