Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a cheerful sound that felt at odds with the thick air in the apartment. Amelia shuffled to answer it, her slippers dragging across the worn floorboards. Outside, a delivery person held a bouquet of sunflowers, their faces turned toward the sun – a stark contrast to the overcast sky and Amelia's mood.

She signed for them, the pen feeling heavy in her hand. Back inside, she sank onto the sofa, the sunflowers a splash of vibrant color in the otherwise muted room. There wasn't a card. She ran a finger over the smooth, waxy petals, a small sigh escaping her lips. Who? Why? The questions swirled in her head, as pointless as the dust motes dancing in the afternoon light.

The day stretched ahead, an endless expanse of emptiness. She let the sunflowers remain where they were on the counter, unwatered, a silent companion to her quiet dejection.