Gerald had found it slightly uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing when Michelle had sent him flowers after their third date. Mostly this was because he hadn't first thought to do it for her, but also because they were pansies. Wouldn't roses have been more appropriate? The small card attached simply said, "Thinking of you." Considering that she managed a flower and plant nursery, he thought her choice was randomized based on the great variety available. Rather than call her to say thank you, Gerald sent flowers in return. He chose to send a mixture of yellow and red roses.

Michelle called him up to thank him and ask when he would be free to see her again.

"Are you sure you still want to go out with me?" Gerald asked her, jokingly, after they had arranged to meet.

"Of course I do, you're the only man I've ever met who also speaks their language. I've gotta get back to work, talk to you later." Click.

Initially, Gerald didn't understand who Michelle was referring to when she had said "their language." Then he remembered a couple of comments she had made about how plants were excellent communicators. Suddenly a light turned on in his mind -- what had he been saying by sending them? A quick search of the Internet revealed that pansies actually did symbolize that you were thinking of somebody. He was relieved to discover that his gift of roses hadn't declared his undying devotion, but by their color only implied that he was falling in love.

To test his new found knowledge Gerald presented Michelle with pink roses the next time he saw her. They never made it out to the dinner and movie they had planned.

Over the next several months, Gerald came to understand that Michelle's reasons for bestowing these floral presents upon him were always a test to judge how well he understood her feelings. After receiving repeated deliveries of blue violets, red tulips and white carnations Gerald knew that Michelle wanted more. She had fallen in love and was prepared to be faithful to him, but he could not say the same thing. Deciding that it was best for them to just be friends, he sent her some pear blossoms.

The next delivery Gerald received was black roses, with no card attached. No research was required to know what they were saying. He thought that was the end of it, but then he received some lilies, and then a Love-Lies-Bleeding. With lance-shaped leaves, dark-magenta velvety-textured flowers and long crimson tassels, it somehow gave the appearance of being vibrant and alive, yet dying.

Gerald began to worry that this attraction had become a fatal one.