Gemotions

The lilies arrived, fragrant and pristine, with a ribbon tied around the vase. No card. Amelia circled them, a cautious dance around the floral arrangement. She sniffed the air, searching for any telltale scent other than the blossoms. *This has to be a mistake,* she thought, her fingers drumming a nervous rhythm on the countertop. She hadn't ordered flowers. Her birthday was months away.

A shiver traced its way down her spine. Someone was definitely pulling her leg. Or, perhaps, something more sinister was afoot. She reached for the phone, intending to call the florist. No, she’d wait. First, she’d check the lock on the back door.