Rain dripped off the tips of his hair, rolling down his tear streaked cheeks. It was ironic really, how perfectly the weather matched the storm of emotions inside him. His dark suit stuck uncomfortably to his skin, umbrella hanging limply from his hand. In the other was a small bouquet of wilted lavenders, daffodils and gladiolus.

She had been aiming to become a botanist or florist and would spend hours explaining every new thing she had learned. He hasn't minded. Seeing her eyes light talking about her passion was enough to keep him there, even when his leg went numb and he knew he'd wouldn't be in bed till 2. At every occasion, she would give him a specifically chosen bouquet, pointing out the meaning for each of them. It made him feel special, knowing she didn't do this for anyone else.

That made the news of her being in a relationship even more shocking. He didn't think she was one for dating and hadn't known she wanted to. It hurt knowing that he had been unaware of this. But what hurt even more was knowing he wouldn't be the only one to be receiving those bouquets. The one to stay up, drinking his 7th cup of coffee as he listened to her rant about the benefits of having a plant. The one to help her plan out her future in her parents living room, a cartoon movie playing softly in the background. It burned, a slow ache that got worse every time he saw them together.

But he pushed his feelings away, choosing to not be bitter and instead support her. Despite his reluctance, it was a relief to see someone else in her life that made her happy. For the longest time, he had been her only friend and knowing that if something ever happened to him there would be someone else to fill the gap soothed his worries. So he took a step back and watched as she flourished with her new partner next to him.

Their close relationship was replaced with something more distanced. They still hung out and talked and laughed, but gone were the midnight snack runs. The uprooting of public park flowers. Sleeping over every other night. Instead, they kept their relationship as purely good friends, nothing more, nothing less. While difficult at first, after time he adjusted.

Her death has come as a huge blow to him. According to the police statements, she had stayed late and was drinking back when a drunk driver swerved to awaits another car and instead hit hers. She had slipped into a coma and was in critical condition. After a months time, her condition stabled but she remained asleep. Another month passed and after extensive tests, doctors came to the conclusion that she was too far gone. Only high-tech machinery kept her organs working and heart beating. Inside her once bright mind there was nothing but silence.

He had watched from a distance as they pulled the plug. Her parents broke down and he did too. For the next month, he spent his time grieving. He pulled out old photographs of them, blankets they had shared and let go. Every second was agonizing, his mind running around that one fact. She was gone.

Suicide was so tempting, a sweet relief to the pain he felt but he knew she'd never forgive him if he gave in. Her philosophy had been to live. To live and enjoy the small moments. So packing away all her old possessions and memories, he vowed to live. No longer would he mourn. Instead, he raised his head and set off to live the life that she never got to finish.

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For anyone wondering, here's the meanings for the three flowers I mentioned (this is just copy and pasted from the website I took it from):
Daffodils: Daffodils symbolizes regard and chivalry. It is indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. It also symbolizes unrequited love. A single daffodil foretells a misfortune while a bunch of daffodils indicate joy and happiness.

Lavender: Lavender symbolizes admiration, solitude and beauty while white heather symbolizes protection and indicates that wishes will come true.

Gladiolus: Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, faithfulness and honor. The Gladiolus flower signifies remembrance.

QOTC: What's your favorite flower and what's the meaning behind it?

Thanks for reading!
- FAH

Written: July 30, 2017
Published: July 30, 2017
Last Updated: January 1, 2018
Picture: Gladiolus flower by Ol1g on DeviantArt