Gemotions

The delivery person left the box at her front door. Inside, nestled in damp paper, were orchids. Exotic, expensive orchids. And, naturally, no card. Chloe’s hands trembled as she pulled the box inside.

A strange tension spread through her body. She hated this feeling of being observed, of being… manipulated. She felt a knot forming in her stomach. Who would bother?

She placed the orchids on the dining room table, the pristine white blooms contrasting sharply with the dark wood. She considered throwing them out, but a different emotion, one of defiance, kept her rooted in place.