Passion and the Skull (Hannibal Lecter)

3

Arabella next saw Hannibal at a charity event organised by a local doctor they both had mutual awareness of. The event featured classical music, elegant wear and a hopeful speech delivered by the doctor who was raising funds for research on a rare genetic disease. 

Arabella arrived early and left after an hour of showing her face around. It was important to maintain presence and connection with these types of people in her field. As she was heading to collect her clock she heard a familiar voice close behind her. 

"You've left before the entrée."

"And you must have missed the appetizer." Arabella smiled at him. "I did not see you amongst the sea of old and new faces."

"I see I've not experienced misfortune in missing the appetiser. I've had the luck of seeing you again."

Arabella turned to get her coat and bit the inside of her cheeks while Hannibal could not see her. He continued to have such a way with words. 

"Well, it is my turn to offer you dinner and a therapy session." She reminded him. She turned to face him. He walked her to his car as they planned their next meeting.

Arabella's house was not as grand as Hannibal's nor as beautifully ornate and detailed as his own, but it was a detached house with a front garden, a beautiful view, and less noise pollution. 
Arabella lived just outside of the city, near Woodbine.

At 5pm, she answered the doorbell to Hannibal. In his hands he held Tupperware and a small bouquet of white flowers.

"Welcome." She stepped aside to allow him entry.

"Thank you for inviting me, Arabella." He smiled. The entry hallways were very thin and the two were both standing close to one another. She could faintly smell the honeysweet smell of the flowers.

"Snowdrops." She said it as a matter of fact, whilst looking at the dainty white petals. "Have they started blooming already?"

"Yes. I saw some growing and I thought I'd pick some for you on my way here."

Arabella found his actions sweet. He extended his hand holding the small bouquet to her and she graciously accepted.

"Do you believe in flower symbolism?" she asked as she began walking to the kitchen to put them in a jar of water.

"Yes. Very much so. I would be a terrible psychiatrist if I did not see benefit in symbolism." Hannibal followed behind her. "Snowdrops symbolize new beginnings and the strength to overcome challenges."

"I understand the new beginnings, but what is the challenge I need to overcome?"

"To use your own philosophy from our session, you say it is the human condition to be constantly faced with vulnerabilities. I am merely offering you strength in facing these vulnerabilities."

"I see. Thank you." She placed the flowers in the center of her small dining table in the kitchen.

"Snowdrops are a perfect flower for someone who enjoys healing the mind. They contain galantamine which can be used in the early treatment of Alzheimer's."

"Really?" Arabella used a finger to gently caress the flowers. "That's fascinating. I've always adored pharmacognosy."

Her eyes moved back to Hannibal who wore a lovely deep blueish-purple suit. She noticed the Tupperware in his hand again.

"I hope you don't mind me, Arabella, but I am very particular about what I put in my body. I brought my own food and was wondering if I could put it in your fridge."