Gemotions

Sarah hummed as she arranged the vibrant blooms. Her small flower shop, "Petals & Prose," was thriving. Every morning, she felt a surge of energy, a joy at creating beauty. Her mentor, Mrs. Gable, had been the one to encourage her to start her own business. She'd taught her everything, from selecting the finest roses to the gentle art of conversation with customers.

She reached for the phone, intending to call Mrs. Gable and describe the joy she found in her work. The phone rang, then clicked to voice mail. Confused, she headed to Mrs. Gable's address, a small bungalow on the edge of town.

The door was locked. A "For Sale" sign leaned against the porch. Sarah noticed a note taped to the window. "Closed the shop," it read in Mrs. Gable's spidery handwriting. "Moving on." A wave of coldness washed over her. The scent of lilies, once so comforting, now seemed to fade.