Gemotions

The bouquet of lilies stood on the counter of Mr. Davies' kitchen, filling the air with their cloying scent. He knew who it was from, and his hands began to shake uncontrollably. The card read, "Thank you, for everything." No signature. It was from a student he'd dismissed as 'troubled,' a few years back.

He backed away from the flowers, his back hitting the wall. The scent was suffocating. He should throw them out, he knew. But he couldn't bring himself to touch them.

His gaze flicked around the room, as if searching for an escape. He felt a desperate urge to run, to hide. The silence in the house was now unbearable.