Simon bought the finest bouquet of flowers he could find and set off for his date. Feeling elated, he stood by the fountain in the city square, clutching the bouquet, scanning the crowds for Lucy. There was no sign of her anywhere. He looked around and dialled her number, but there was no answer. Perhaps shes just running late, he thought, and called again. This time, Lucy answered.
Im here already where are you? Simon said at once.
Its over between us, Lucy replied suddenly.
What? Why? Simon froze.
Its because of your bouquet! she exclaimed unexpectedly.
Whats wrong with it? Simon asked, utterly bewildered.
Earlier that afternoon, Simon had wandered the flower shop for quite some time. Burgundy roses, yellow daffodils, white lilies, potted plants, and beautifully arranged bouquets graced the displays something for every taste. But Simon fidgeted indecisively.
He remembered once talking to Lucy about flowers, but the details escaped him. Shed told him about certain flowers she truly disliked, and others she adored and could gaze at forever. But that was early on, at their first coffee together, when Lucy had talked excitedly about many things, and Simon carried away by new acquaintance, sparkling wine, and Lucy herself had only half-listened.
Hed always considered himself personable, but on that day, he simply nodded, admiring the lovely girl before him: her long straight hair, the elegant curve of her neck, the charming dimples on her cheeks. Perhaps this is what love feels like?
Did it really matter what flowers she mentioned? The evening had been wonderful!
And now, however hard he tried, he couldnt recall her preferences.
Have a look at these gerberas! You wont find them anywhere else theyre out of season and this is a special variety, the shopkeeper encouraged him.
But time was pressing, and Simon had to decide.
As he was about to make his choice, his phone rang his mother, again. Recently, she had been calling rather often.
Well, Simon, have you decided? Its Friday, perhaps youll come down for the weekend?
No, Mum, I have plans
Grandma will be disappointed, you know she keeps watching the door, asking after you.
Mum, Im sorry, honestly. Ive just got so much to do
Simon hung up quickly.
His mother was inviting him to visit their village home where she lived with Simons grandmother. Shed called a few times now, and a hint of irritation was growing in him. Whats with Grandma? Shed been unwell for ages, she was getting on But he couldnt just drop everything to sit by her side all the time. He had his own life, after all!
And right now, his mind was occupied by this new relationship. Simon was already hoping that, if tonight went well, hed invite Lucy away to the countryside tomorrow.
He knew just the place: a charming little retreat nearby.
His mother had often told him she wanted to see his personal life settled, and now he was finally doing something about it.
If only he could recall Lucys favourite flowers! Why couldnt he remember? Did it matter, really, this type of thing? He didnt especially want to stuff his brain with these details.
The shopkeeper, now silent, watched Simons indecisive struggle.
Lucy did mention something about not liking rose thorns, Simon recalled. So, perhaps, best not buy roses.
He picked out a bouquet of large, pink and white gerberas. In the end, it was just a mark of attention, just a bouquet. Time was tight his lunch break was nearly over.
Theyd arranged to meet by the new city fountain. Simon was late his boss had kept him back in an unexpected meeting. It looked like he might be in line for a promotion.
He called Lucy to let her know hed be late and switched his phone to silent. During the meeting, his mother called again, but Simon genuinely couldnt answer.
As soon as the meeting ended, he rushed to the rendezvous. In high spirits, he parked up near the fountain and almost jogged over, holding the gerberas.
Lucy was nowhere in sight. He looked round the square and rang her; no answer.
Simon sat on a bench. Maybe she was running late herself. He realised he hadnt called his mother back but didnt want to just yet what if Lucy called? But his phone was quiet. After ten minutes, he rang her again.
This time, Lucy picked up.
Lucy, where are you? Im here waiting.
I know. Ive been watching you from the café across the road, upstairs.
Really? Simon scanned the café windows, unable to spot her. I cant see you. Will you come down, or
Youre late, she interrupted.
Yes, Lucy, I know and Im sorry. I did call you it was because of work, my boss held me up.
And the flowers!
What about them? Simon was confused.
You dont even remember which flowers I like!
Lucy, they just didnt have them today!
Roses? You cant remember I love roses? Theyre everywhere! I told you so many times about my favourite roses And yet
Ill make it up to you Ill come up and find you.
Simon entered the café and spotted Lucy at a corner table by the window, her back to the room.
He approached quietly, too embarrassed to hand her the gerberas, so he set them on the table instead. Lucy didnt even glance at them.
Simon, always so confident, now strove to make amends, pouring all his charm into the conversation. It seemed to work Lucy started to smile.
They drank their coffee and headed out, Lucy not even sparing the bouquet a second look.
You forgot your bouquet, a cheerful young waitress called as they got to the door.
Its for you! Simon replied with a grin.
Oh, thank you! The girl was surprised, but clearly pleased.
Lucys face clouded again.
Lucy, let me buy you the biggest bunch of roses right now!
No, thank you, she said tersely. Enough flowers for one day!
They walked down the stairs in silence, Simon trailing after his hurt girlfriend. Again, his phone rang his mother.
Sorry to interrupt, Im probably calling at the wrong time again she began.
Lucy didnt hear.
No, Mum, youre calling at just the right time. Ill visit. Ill come tomorrow.
That evening, Simon and Lucy parted ways easily. Simon already knew this was the end. Tomorrow, he was on the road, driving through familiar fields.
There, limitless colours stretched right to the horizon, alive and shimmering, swaying under the English breeze.
Simon stopped the car and wandered down into this vibrant sea of wildflowers.
As carefully as the flower shop owner, he picked blooms that caught his fancy.
He knew, without a doubt, those waiting for him would appreciate his choice; here, he couldnt go wrong.
Arriving at the house, Simon split the bouquet in two.
His mother beamed and kissed him warmly on both cheeks, whilst his grandmother
They helped her to sit upright. Her hands trembled as she took the bouquet, feeling the blossoms with wrinkled fingers; her eyesight wasnt what it had been.
It had been so long since anyone had given her flowers.
She brought the bouquet to her face, breathing in the scents with her spirit as youthful and lively as ever. The familiar aroma unlocked memories hidden deep inside, stirring her soul and bringing back not just recollections, but the very emotions of days past, the hope and freshness of something new.
How wonderful life was! Life carried on in her grandson.
Simon sat beside her, resting his head on her knees as she stroked his hair, careful not to crush the flowers she cherished so much.
As he sat there, Simon realised that one day hed meet a girl, perhaps something like his mother and grandmother full of kindness and warmth and love her as his family had always loved truly. The important thing is to recognise the right moment, and cherish it.
Grandma hesitated to hand her daughter the flowers.
Wait fill a vase with water first from the well, mind find a wide one, and be careful put them here so I can look at them
A grandson had brought her flowers.
Flowers, of which there were millions all around, but thesethese were the very best. These, her grandson had chosen himself.
In the end, Simon learned that the truest appreciation in life comes not from perfection and grand gestures, but from heartfelt attention and sharing time with those who love us unconditionally.
