Yes, lilies were a symbol of innocence. The Virgin Mary was often depicted with a lily, Sandra discovered, as an allusion to the immaculate conception. According to some sources, it could also symbolise conceitedness. The calla lily didn’t seem to mean anything in particular, except that it was often used in funeral displays. Like the regular lily.

Perhaps Sandra was supposed to be struck down by fear and nail shut all the windows and leave mines in the garden. She could have thrown out the flowers so she never had to see them again.

Instead, she got angry. And the flowers were very beautiful—carefully sculpted by nature’s own hand in some rainforest on the other side of the planet. So she left them in their full splendour on the dining table in silent protest and as a reminder of the contempt she felt towards that man.

Hallin’s venture was frankly infantile: insinuations about virgin birth and conceit delivered in newspaper on Erik’s name day with a clear reference to death and burial. It was clearly intended to arouse fear in her. To frighten her into withdrawing her demand and make her leave him alone.

Or what? Death and burial?

With the best will in the world, a bunch of flowers could hardly be considered a death threat in the eyes of the law—so getting the police involved would be the same as disgracing herself. What was more, she didn’t take the threat seriously. It was a final, clumsy gesture from a floundering man who already considered the battle lost.

On the whole, death and innocence packaged in newspaper was an inspiring thought. A plan was beginning to form in her mind. Her fists clenched, she contemplated the magnificent flowers and realised that life would never be the same again.

STILL NO TRACE OF MISSING 41-YEAR-OLD

It has been more than two weeks since 41-yearold Peter went missing in central Visby. Despite extensive search efforts, including assistance provided by the Swedish Home Guard, the man has still not been found.

The man was last seen on the fourth of February. He reportedly left his place of work around lunchtime and disappeared without a trace. His car was found in the car park adjacent to his workplace. His mobile phone was last active in the same location. The search is now being de-intensified.

The man is described as being 5ft10, 12 stone and with short, dark hair. He is thought to have been wearing a black jacket, light shirt, and a pair of dark trousers when he disappeared.

GOTLANDS    ALLEHANDA

January–February 2014

JANUARY–FEBRUARY

2014

29. Karl-Erik

29

Karl-Erik