Gemotions

The florist had a kind smile, but she couldn't help. "No card, sir. Just the arrangement." David's shoulders slumped. He held the bouquet of sunflowers, their faces tilted towards the harsh morning light. He knew who they were from, though.

He carried them back to his apartment, the cheery blooms a jarring contrast to the gloom that had settled over him. He'd been too proud, too stubborn. He had stubbornly refused to see the things he needed to see. Now, he was left with an empty apartment.

He placed the sunflowers in a vase, their bright faces mocking him. He stood for a long moment, simply staring at the flowers, then went to make some coffee, the aroma doing little to lift the heavy mood that enveloped him. He felt the familiar weight pressing on his chest, a constant reminder of his failure.