Gemotions

The box sat on the coffee table, a beautiful velvet square. Inside, a shimmering bracelet, engraved with her initials. He'd spent days choosing it, searching for the perfect expression of his… devotion. He checked his watch. He had scheduled the perfect evening.

A knock. He threw open the door, ready for tears of joy and declarations of unending affection. Instead, he found a man, his face a constellation of bewilderment.

“Is… is this where Sarah is?” the man asked, holding a bunch of roses.

His lips pursed into a thin line. He gestured towards the still-closed box. “Seems we have a common interest.” He allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible chuckle. The man’s discomfort was… gratifying.