Gemotions

The roses were delivered to the office, a gesture of extravagant tenderness. The red blooms stood out against the bland office decor, a reminder of the chasm of their relationship. He stared at them for a long time, not knowing what to feel.

He’d said things he regretted. He'd done things he regretted. He felt the familiar, crushing weight of failure. He should have known better. He was just tired.

He returned to his desk and opened the computer. He didn’t want to look at the roses. He had to work. The task seemed impossible. He slumped in his chair, the roses a silent judgment.