Gemotions

The scent of gardenias, intoxicating and heady, filled the small apartment. David stared at the bouquet, a sense of disquiet settling over him. They were beautiful, lush and fragrant. He hated them. No card. He felt a sudden, sharp pang of regret.

He'd been reckless, making choices that had put him on a dangerous path. The flowers felt like a consequence, a silent acknowledgment of his mistakes. He moved the bouquet to the kitchen, away from his field of vision. He walked around the place, looking for any sign of someone being there. He felt the need to flee.

He considered packing a bag, leaving, disappearing. He glanced at the flowers again, the sweet perfume now a suffocating presence. The silence of the apartment was broken only by the frantic pounding of his own heart. He needed to get away. Now.