Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a cheerful sound that felt mocking in the stillness of the apartment. Sarah peeked through the peephole. A delivery man, holding a bouquet of vibrant lilies. No card. Her stomach twisted, a sudden clench. She accepted them with a tight smile, the scent already too strong, too close. Back inside, she circled the flowers, her fingers tracing the delicate petals. Who? And why?

She set them on the kitchen table, the bright colors clashing with the mundane. She normally loved lilies. Now, the overwhelming fragrance seemed to press in on her, stealing the air. She found herself checking the locks on the doors, the windows. Twice. Then three times.

The afternoon wore on, each tick of the clock amplifying her unease. She couldn’t concentrate on her work. Every shadow seemed to lengthen, twist, and hold a hidden meaning. She finally unplugged the phone, desperate for silence.