Gemotions

He stared at the package, the stark black ink on the brown paper mocking him. "To the Resident of Apartment 4B". It was the note taped to it that got to him. "Sorry. I know you didn't want this." A cold sensation rippled up his spine. His palms were already slick with sweat. He knew what was inside.

He grabbed a utility knife, his hand shaking so violently he nearly sliced his finger. The cardboard yielded to the blade with an ugly tearing sound. Inside, wrapped in thick plastic, was a single, wilted red rose. A note, written in the same shaky hand, was taped to the rose's stem. "It’s not your fault."

He dropped the knife, the metallic clang echoing in the small apartment. He didn't deserve any of this. He wasn't sure what, or who, was to blame. He just knew he couldn't breathe.