Gemotions

The vibrant, mixed bouquet of wildflowers sat on the porch, a splash of color against the faded wood. He hesitated, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He hadn't expected company. He hadn't expected anything. He scanned the street, searching for any sign of a car, a person, anyone who might have seen him.

He cautiously brought them inside, his movements slow and deliberate. He set them on the kitchen table, and then quickly moved to the back, to sit in a room facing the window to the backyard. He felt the blood drain from his face, leaving him pale and clammy. His breath came in short, shallow gasps. A profound sense of unease settled over him, heavy and suffocating.