That was brilliant! You dealt with a really intriguing psychological exploration with a deft hand. Your story didn't bludgeon your reader over the head with explanations, but subtly revealed the true fears and other emotions racing through his head. It felt very grounding and 'real.'
And I love the raw emotion: the rage and the shame and the denial! Angst at it's best!
Bravo!
I also liked the thread woven in with the title and theme of the flower meaning shame.