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.

"No need for extravagant things, John. Simplicity is the best."

"Thank you."

I hope you'll like it too.

***

I stepped out of the shop absentmindedly, still a little lost in my own thoughts. Warmer air engulfed me instantly as it was much colder inside. I picked up my pace after I got used to the temperature outside and reached a turn at the corner. A blur of grey flashed past my eyes, forcibly snapping me out of my trance. Instinctively, I jumped backwards, but lost my footing as I land and tumbled down.

Age really does a number on people.

My hands were throbbing a little as I used them to cushion my fall, which really wasn't the best idea since my bones too were old. Groaning, I stood back up when the pain slowly subsided. I patted the dust off my clothes, and only then did it dawned upon me that the bouquet of flowers were no longer within my hold.

Shock shot through me like electricity along with fear as my eyes darted here and there searching frantically for them on the ground.

"Sorry 'bout that, mister." A voice pulled me back from my search and I had to glance up at it. A teen donning a grey hoodie shirt, ripped jeans along with a bicycle by his side stood tall before me. "Are you hurt?"

Still disarrayed from losing the flowers, my heart screamed at me to drop everything and go back to searching, so I gave him a brief reply, "It's fine. I'm alright. Just be careful from now on, okay?"

He nodded and promptly left.

Sighing, I finally spotted several blue petals scattered a few steps away. My eyes followed the petals and reached the bouquet, which were now lying in even more petals. It looked a little sad. I jogged towards it and picked it up.

Though slightly battered, it still looked presentable. Thank goodness it wasn't run over. It would have been such a waste if it was ruined like that day.

Do you still remember?

The day we made a silent, but lasting vow.

***

We were still so young back then. Foolishly but happily young. We made it a point to celebrate every possible 'first's together. And that day was your first birthday we were celebrating after we got married.

We went to register our marriage almost immediately after I graduated from university. In secret. Since our parents made it absolutely clear that they would never approve of our relationship. The thought of giving up on us never crossed our mind, so we did what was right to us, even if it was seen as wrong to the world.

To them, I was a wild, irresponsible and immature guy that wouldn't be able to provide you with a comfortable life.

While they could only look at your unfavorable family background and worried about how you would only leech off my efforts.

They couldn't see what we saw in each other. Not one bit. We constantly felt misunderstood, with not a single person by our side.

But we didn't care. Their words may have hurt us, but our love never wavered. We wouldn't give up on each other, our other half, just to gain approval.

With our fingers intertwined, our hearts one, we decided to start our own family, a new life.

For ourselves, and no one else.

It was only us against the world. Yet, nothing could threaten us. Even if the world condemned us, just by being in each other's presence and seeing the other smile, it was enough to overcome anything.

We never felt happier and freer now that we had abandoned everything that shackled us down before, but it didn't mean it was easy.

Without any financial support from our families, we were barely surviving on our own. After all, the working world was not kind and welcoming to us, a fresh graduate and a high school graduate. All our earnings went into buying what we needed, rent, taxes and food. No matter how hard we tried to save up, it was never enough.

After all, love could sustain our souls, but not our flesh.

Spending money on anything else was luxury that we could not afford.

But I wanted to show my appreciation towards you on this day.

You had given up everything for me, and I wanted to show my appreciation of you, of your existence, no matter what.

And so, with the box of earrings in one hand and a small bouquet of roses in the other -- both bought with money earned from multiple part time jobs -- I started walking back to our rented flat.

I smiled down at the roses. Even though my eyes were heavy with sleep, I was buzzing with excitement from picturing your reaction when you I give these to you. As if to snap me out of my daydream, a drop of water hit the petal of the roses, followed by a few more closely. Within seconds, it started drizzling.

Not wanting the flowers to be ruined, I started to run. It was a fifteen minute walk home, so I needed to hurry before the drizzle turn into a downpour. I held the roses closer to my chest and used my coat to shield them from the rain.

My wish fell on deaf ears as the rain only got heavier. The rainwater fell on me relentlessly, damping my high spirits and soaking me thoroughly. I was shivering from the cold, and it was difficult making sure the roses were safe from the rain but not crushed against my chest.

I wished I had brought an umbrella.

Turning at the corner with large steps, I somehow managed to slip and fall facedown. I wasn't frazzled by the pain as my mind went panicky, worrying about the roses.

I bolted right up and searched for the roses frantically.

They were lying on the ground, scattered and battered.

The ribbon was undone and a large amount of petals had fallen of the flowers.

My heart sank as the rain continued to fall on me. It felt like I was standing on top of a sandpit, slowly sinking in.

Why did things have to turn out this way...

Exhaustion took over me and I could no longer think straight. I stood there, staring at the flowers as though my feet were glued on the spot.

I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh.

I could never do anything right. It was foolish of me to think things would turn out alright for us. Look at how miserable I am now.

The rain stopped.

Startled, I glanced up.

And then I saw you.

Smiling brightly like the sun, holding an umbrella out to shield me from the rain.

There was no better way to describe how you looked like then.

Just by seeing you, all the hope came back to life in me, and I was reminded of the decision I have made and the reason I was even standing there.

It was all for you. And it was worth it.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. Drenched, dirty, drained but alright." I laughed, feeling silly of the sorry state I was in.

You chuckled as you wiped the water off my face with a tissue. "Let's get you home or you're going to catch a cold."

I stole a glance over my shoulder as I nodded hesitantly. There was nothing left I could do anyway. There was no saving the roses.

We walked in silence for awhile, as it was a little hard talking over the sound of the rain. You huddled closer as I slung an arm over your shoulders, hugging you tight. My heart warmed a little.

"Was that the reason why you went out without telling me?" You smiled knowingly at me.

I bit my lips and stopped walking. You stopped too.

You always notice the little details. There wasn't hiding anything from you.

I nodded. "I brought some roses, but uh," the image of the battered roses flashed past my eyes. I winced a little, "They got ruined. But here." I slowly took the box of earrings out of my pocket and gave them to you, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"Happy Birthday. Thank you for choosing me. And staying by my side."

A wide smile broke out on your face. Your eyes glistened with tears as you covered your mouth with your hands, too overwhelmed to say anything.

A warm feeling blossomed in my heart as I took in the sight of you -- the most beautiful woman I was blessed enough to call mine -- shining so brightly in front of me, because of me.

You opened the box and stared at them for a minute before looking up at me. "They are lovely. Thank you." You were still smiling from ear to ear.

I took your hand and gave it a gentle and reassuring squeeze.

"Sorry I messed up everything."

You squeezed back.

"Silly, you didn't mess up anything." You stared me in the eyes and I was immediately enthralled.

Unwavering, firm and hopeful.

How many times have I been saved by this pair of eyes?

"John, listen to me. Look at how far we've come to. We're getting there. Our dream is coming true. For us, you've worked so hard. Things like gifts aren't important. All that matters to me is that you're here with me now. And that's enough.

"Thanks for giving me the life I've always wanted."

Ignoring the tears that were welling up in my eyes, I bent down and planted a kiss on your lips. I could feel that you were surprised at the gesture but you didn't shy away. My heart was warmed by your words, and the sentiments that came with them.

The cold didn't bother me anymore even though the rain kept pouring down. The warmth that you had given me was enough. And I was confident that it will last forever.

We laughed after the kiss, contented with such simple happiness.

What did I do to deserve you?

Pulling you into a hug, I whispered into your ear, "Thank you."

***

We held hands all the way till we got home, smiling at each other whenever our eyes met. But then you stopped walking without warning and I was held back by the pull from our linked hands.

"What's wrong?"

"Look," I followed your gaze to the side of the road.

"A forget-me-not?"

"Yup." You pulled me towards the flowers and bent down. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I answered absentmindedly, as these flowers reminded me of the roses. "But they're so tiny."

I fell into a trance until you called my name twice and pulled at my hand.

"John, haven't I made myself clear? I don't need those roses, or anything extravagant. Those don't last. I just want to be by your side. And that, truly is enough for me."

Your eyes crinkled in a soft smile as you held my gaze for a short moment. Then you turned your back against me and looked down at the forget-me-nots again.

"I hope our love can be like them."

"Eternal?" I asked, unsure of my knowledge of flowers and their meanings.

"That, yes." You laughed heartily, "But I meant it in another way. Small, simple yet strong. Though insignificant to the world and always looked down at, they could endure all the hardships and still survive on their own."

It was then that forget-me-not became something special to us. A symbol of our love. An unspoken promise between us.

Maybe our love may be insignificant to others, but we never wanted our love to turn out flashy or grand that people would become envious of.

We only wished for our love to last.

That will be enough.

***

Placing the bouquet down on the table, I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. Remembering all that made me feel really old. Older than I already was. How could time pass by so fast?

Days, months, years, decades.

When we were still young, the future was so unclear. We didn't know what lied at the end of the road but we did realize it was definitely going to be a long, long way. And so, we thought we had all the time in the world together.

Yet, look at us now.

You were gone and I'm all alone.

Did we make it to where we wanted to be?

You were sitting in front of me, a hand supporting your head as you dozed off.

"Happy Birthday, dear."

We didn't make it there easily, wherever it was that we end up now. We strayed off our path so many times, stumbled down and refused to get up. But because of you leaving, I realized our love was never lost.

Ironic, isn't it?

Even when you were no longer truly here, you left a part of you here to help me stand up once again. I was lost, but you brought me back. Like you always did.

I pulled out one forget-me-not out of the bouquet and laid it on the table, right in front of you.

A single flower. Small and simple, with a meaning bigger and deeper between us than anyone else would ever come to understand.

I haven't forgotten, dear. But, have you?

I wondered if it was possible, but your eyes met mine, and for a split second, I felt connected to you again.

It could have been my imagination, but I decided to think of it as a miracle. After all, you were already a miracle that happened to me. A miracle that didn't stop happening all the way till now.

You were the reason that I still believed in miracles.

"Thank you."

Simple, strong and lasting.

Our love endured.

***

*whispers to myself* Phew, I made it in time for an update before one whole year passed.

*Clears throat* I mean.

I'm really sorry for taking so long. I'm back (for now) and I promise a few updates following behind!

Thanks for reading and please tell me what you think of this chapter, especially the flashback. :)