Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the tulips were jarring in the otherwise muted hallway. He picked them up, the velvety petals brushing against his fingers, their fragrance making him feel lightheaded. No card. No sender. He had a feeling it was supposed to be a nice gesture, but all it did was make the emptiness sting.

He wandered into the living room, the space that once felt alive and filled now felt cold. He dropped the flowers onto the coffee table, their stems clattering against the glass. He felt like his limbs were made of lead, like he was sinking. He stared out the window, watching the rain smudge the glass.