Gemotions

The vibrant colours of the tulips seemed to mock her. She sat at the kitchen table, staring at the unopened envelope containing a rejection letter. The flowers had arrived first, a surprise delivery of spring blooms. No note accompanied them.

She felt a hollowness in her chest. She needed answers, but the flowers provided none. She stood, grabbing the vase, but found it difficult to breathe, as if something was lodged in her throat.

She took the vase and walked outside, placing the tulips in the trash, her movements robotic. The world was a blur, the sounds muffled. Her vision swam. Then, she walked back to her house and closed the door.