Gemotions

A blush crept up Elias' neck as he wrestled with the cellophane. The florist, bless her heart, had wrapped the lilies with excessive zeal. He finally ripped it free, revealing a cascade of white blossoms. Beautiful, undeniably. But who?

He carefully examined the arrangement, searching for a hidden note. Nothing. He spun the vase around. Still nothing. His cheeks burned. Was it from Sarah, the woman he'd awkwardly fumbled through a date with last Tuesday? The thought made him squirm. She had mentioned loving lilies, hadn't she? Maybe. Or maybe it was Brenda, the office manager, who'd been unusually solicitous lately.

He paced his apartment, the lilies' fragrance suddenly cloying. A wave of sick embarrassment washed over him. He felt exposed, naked. This anonymous act of… kindness?… felt like a spotlight had been switched on him. He had to know. He started drafting a reply-all email to the entire office. He thought better of it, deleting the email and collapsing onto his couch.