Gemotions

From the moment the florist had delivered a fruit basket to Mr. Henderson’s door, he felt a knot tighten in his gut. The basket itself was magnificent, overflowing with exotic fruits, all perfectly ripe. The accompanying card, however, filled him with unease. It was signed by Mark, the class clown.

He picked up the card. The handwriting was large and loopy, a style he remembered well. "Thanks for everything, Mr. Henderson! You really inspired me!" He reread it, his lips twisted into a grimace. He'd given Mark a C- in history, the lowest grade he could get away with and still pass the class.

He ran a hand over his face. The knot in his stomach intensified. He began poking through the contents of the basket, examining each piece of fruit, as if searching for a hidden message. A single, perfect, unmarked mango caught his eye.