Short Stories

Roses

UNEDITED

I. The Rose Seller

The sunlight bathed the streets with warm light, the scent of roses wafted through the air with a sweet scent. People huddled in groups, in corners, and near walls. "Did you hear? She's still at it till this very day." "Did you hear? She sold a bunch of peculiar roses yesterday, and for such a cheap price too!" "Do you hear? Her footsteps coming near? She's here again."

The soft blanket covered her basket's raggedy edges, the rose petals bunched together to make a soft cushion. She looked around, offering a wave, a smile, and a rose. "Hello! Would you like to buy a rose today?" "Hello! This one costs only a couple of cents, and it smells nice!" "Hello, this one goes together with your eyes. Maybe this one can go with your shirt!"

Roses filled the area with their colorful hues, petals filled the streets away from their buds. As the girl walked off, people huddled, gossiped, and exchanged. "Did you see this yellow one yet? It's so vibrant!" "I never knew she sold this hue of violet, and that shade of blue!" "Did you see? She has an orange bouquet earlier. Here, I got one!"

Salty tears trailed down her rosy cheeks, pale arms wrapping around her petite body. She sat on her bed, crying, shivering, and sobbing. "It's not fair, it never was. At this point I don't think it ever will be..." "Why does it hurt so much? Everything feels like it's falling apart..." " I thought they'd stop after a couple of days but the petals keep fluttering in the streets. I can't handle it anymore... Why does this keep happening to me?"

Clouds blocked sunlight from hitting the streets, the weight of her emotions evident on her expression. She watched as they searched, frowned, and whispered. "Where is she? She's not here today." "Weird, she usually passes by here at this time... Where do you think she is?" "She hasn't been out in days. The roses are wilting, and the ones on her front porch are too. She's not answering either..."

II. The Newcomer

Houses, people, streets, it all felt new to him. As he drove in the village, as he got off his car, everything took him aback. Everything felt different, everything felt new, was he ever gonna get used to this? With a sigh, he unlocks the door, and unpacked his things into the new house.

Smiles, greetings, welcomes, it was all thrown at him. As he walked down the streets, as he passed by the houses, everyone was so warm to him. Everything was nicer, everything was warmer, he could get used to this. With a smile, he walked back in his house, and looked forward to a new day.

Whispers, gossips, talking, it was heard throughout the village. As he asked the people what it's about, as they told him all about it, everything became clearer. Every word piqued his interest, every mention of the person made him curious, who is this rose seller they are talking about? With furrowed eyebrows, he walks down the streets, only to be met with a lone yellow petal.

Smiles, names, and a rose, it was all given to him during their meeting. As he glanced at the petite girl, as she smiled and handed him a rose, in his chest he felt something. Every petal was pale, every petal... brightened? Might be his eyes tricking him. With a neutral smile on his face, he walked off, waving goodbye to the female.

Pennies, nickels, dollars, it was what he handed to her. As he handed her the rather cheap payment, as she hands him yet another rose, something in the village changes. Every rose was taken, every rose he held in his hands. There was a garden hidden in his house at this point. With a smile, he walked off, yet another rose clutched in his hands.

III. The Garden

He knocked on the door, the scent of roses greeting him first. As the door creaked open, the girl smiled, her cheeks rosy. "Oh, you arrived earlier than I thought..." Nonetheless, she let him in, the mood in the house shifting. The male looked around, the house bringing a smile on his face. Unsurprisingly, roses littered the place, but with it were some dry leaves all around.

She looked at him, smiling. As he observed the place, the rose seller started to talk. "Hey, I know this favor is too much, but can you watch over my garden for a while during my trip?" Shocked, he stared at her bashful frame, the silence looming over them. He let the words sink in for a few minutes, before saying yes, much to the woman's disbelief. Smiling, she bowed as thanks, giving him the keys.

She then took off, her heartbeat accelerating. As she boarded the bus, she couldn't help but think, "Was it a good idea to ask him? Maybe he thinks its a burden, or maybe..." Frowning, she shook her head, dismissing the thought. The bus took off, and her roses started to grow farther and farther away. Sighing, she decided to put her mind at ease by placing her full faith onto him.

Weeks passed by, the rose seller enjoying her vacation. As she stared out of the apartment window, she started to think, "I wonder how my garden's going? I wonder how he's doing?" Smiling, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her faith easing her doubts. The time was growing nearer, and a feeling grew inside of her. Settling, it encapsulated her being, little by little by little until she was consumed.

The bus stopped in front of the house, the lady getting out. As she fished out her keys, she noticed that something was different. "I'm back! Are you still here?" Creaking, the door made way for her, the inside taking her by surprise. She was in disbelief, and she quickly ran to the garden, opening the door. Something, she felt somethin as she looked at the tiny patch of land, her eyes meeting...

Hellooo, yup, that's the end. The ending is up to your interpretation, which is why I made a couple of things vague. I tried to do something different here but I'm not all too sure what to feel about it. I apologize for its shortness, and for releasing a not so good one shot. Let me know your opinions about it, it'd be appreciated!