Gemotions

The scent of jasmine filled her small apartment, a sweet perfume that did nothing to soothe the tension knotting in Maya's stomach. A delivery man had simply left them on her doorstep earlier, a beautiful arrangement with a glossy, unblemished vase. No clue. No clue who to thank.

She carefully circled the flowers, keeping a distance, as if they were a coiled snake. Her eyes traced the delicate petals, trying to find some hint of recognition. Had she seen these blooms before?

She picked up the phone, her thumb hovering over the dial pad. Should she call the police? Her mind raced, sifting through memories, searching for a face, a gesture, anything that might explain the gesture. Her palms were sweating.