Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Liam surveyed the apartment, the empty space now echoing with memories. The scent of coffee, once a comforting ritual, now felt like a taunt. He hadn’t touched the machine since she left.

A florist arrived, handing him a simple arrangement of sunflowers. They were cheerful, bursting with yellow, a stark contrast to the grayness that had settled over everything. No card. Just the flowers. Liam ran a hand through his hair, the gesture automatic, a familiar response to a situation he couldn't grasp.

He walked over to the table and set the sunflowers in the center. They were so bright. Too bright. He turned away, the sudden sting in his eyes making it hard to breathe. He wanted to rip them apart, to tear the joy out of the room. He closed his eyes and inhaled a shaky breath, trying to steady himself.