Memories

Fourteen

And even when all seems lost, true love lives on.

The bells jingled above my head as I pushed the door open. A mix of spicy, sweet and earthy scent assaulted me before I could even enter the shop.

Stepping in, it felt like I just went into a new realm. Rich and diverse colours are all across the room and there was some slow and soft music being played. How peaceful, how calm. So different from the outside world, where things are always so loud and hectic.

I stood there, enjoying the atmosphere in the flower shop until a young woman appeared before me.

She gave me a bright smile and ushered me into the shop, towards where a larger selection of flowers lie. Still a little overwhelmed by the serene atmosphere, I stood there quietly, appreciating what a beautiful, quiet world I had come into.

"Do you have in mind what type of flowers you'd like to get?" She voiced out, probably after seeing how I had not make any action to choose, or even look at the flowers.

I pulled back from my trance and nodded at her. "Forget-me-nots."

"They are over here," she pointed to the far left side of the room and led me there. It felt like I was in a mini garden, walking passed all sorts of flowers that I did not even know what their names are as I got deeper in.

I wish you are here to see them with me. Even though it isn't a breathtaking sight, I'm sure you would have loved it. Simple things were all that you wanted all along, aren't they?

My eyes settled on the bunch of light blue forget-me-nots in the vases. Seeing them had caused the rewind button to be pressed in my mind. The fragrance tickled my nose, and at the same time, my memories.

"I'd like a small bouquet of these, please."

"Sure!" She bent down and carefully grabbed a bundle of them in her small hands, bringing it to the counter for wrapping. With the counter between us, I stood there watching how she started wrapping them up in swift and fluid movements.

"May I ask who the flowers are for?" She looked up at me, flashing yet another smile. I wondered if all florists are naturally such cheerful people? They smile and smile, as though it doesn't cost them anything at all.

"My wife," I answered simply.

"Ahh, that's really sweet of you," she claimed and proceeded to explain, "I haven't gotten many customers who still buy their wives flowers at your age."

A smile ghosted my face as my gaze landed on the forget-me-nots in the dark purple wrappings.

I hadn't done that since Erik was born. Before then, I would get your flowers once a year regardless of your complaints on how it was unnecessary. I remember how happy you looked as you said that.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but is it a special occasion? Your choice of flower is very unique."

Her words echoed in my mind, making me face the question I had been avoiding the whole day. Was it still a special occasion? Why am I here?

I hesitated, but in the end nothing will change the fact that it used to be one. "Yeah, you could say so."

After tying up the bouquet with a red ribbon neatly, she passed it to me with smile that could light up the world. "Here! I hope she'll like it on this special day!"

I held the flowers firmly with my arm. It looked simple, but nothing short of breathtaking. You would love that. You always went on about how things would be enough, would be just right when they are simple.