Gemotions

The flowers arrived in the morning, a splash of colour against the drabness of Leo's apartment. A cascade of orchids, their delicate blooms a stark contrast to his own internal state. There was no accompanying card, and he felt a flutter of unease.

He didn't know who they were from, but it didn't matter. The gesture, however well-intentioned, felt like a burden. His limbs felt heavy, and the simplest tasks seemed to require monumental effort.

He sat on the couch, the orchids a silent witness to his stillness. A wave of exhaustion washed over him, and he closed his eyes, hoping to find some semblance of peace. But the peace eluded him.