The Enigmatic Flowers of Everwood

Chapter 12: The School

The customers, murmuring about what they had just witnessed, complied and left, leaving the once-bustling shop in a state of somber reflection.

Customer 1: "I can't believe it came to this. Such a tragic story."

Customer 3: "They must be going through so much pain."

Customer 2: "I hope they find some resolution."

After closing the shop, Lana swiftly and carefully dragged the unconscious Dew into the private room located behind the counter.

This room was exclusively for employees and connected to the main store through a discreet door. It served as a resting place for the employees during breaks or after closing the shop. The counter, where Mama Cynthia and Sonora took shifts, provided a clear view of the entire store. It was Sonora's domain, as she had a special connection with the vibrant flowers and sensed everything that happened within the shop. The counter itself was adorned with snapdragon, and golden Pothos.

Once everyone settled in the employees' room and the shop was closed, Mama Cynthia and Sonora took their seats across from each other. Dew, still unconscious, was gently laid on the sofa.

Lana, exhausted from the long day and mindful of her school commitments the next day, expressed her desire to leave.

Lana (tired and exhausted): I've got school tomorrow if everything is fine can I leave for the day.

Both Mama Cynthia and Sonora expressed their gratitude for Lana's hard work and allowed her to depart. As Lana bid them farewell and left the shop, Mama Cynthia and Sonora began discussing the recent events, each presenting their side of the story. The atmosphere grew tense as their arguments intensified, their voices echoing within the confined space.

Mama Cynthia: Sonora, we need to talk about what happened earlier. Your actions were risky.

Sonora: I did what I thought was right.

(Argument continues)

Meanwhile, Dew lay on the sofa, seemingly lost in his own world. Despite the heated exchange, he remained undisturbed, resembling an insomniac who hadn't experienced sleep in days.

The argument continued for a solid two hours, with Mama Cynthia trying to reason with Sonora and imparting words of care and support.

Mama Cynthia: We care about you, Sonora. We're just worried.

Mama Cynthia: I'd like to let you know that we're here for you. Both me and Lana.

In that moment, a faint voice of an old woman echoed in Sonora's head, whispering, "He said the same, too," carrying a tone of sadness and mistrust.

Sonora, feeling weary and frustrated, responded that she had heard enough.

Sonora: (sighs): I have heard enough of this.

Mama Cynthia, lightly smacking Sonora on the head, urged her to stop being cynical, to which Sonora replied with a half-hearted promise to try.

Mama Cynthia: Stop being so cynical, Sonora. Try to see things differently. Sonora: (softly smiles) I'll try.

Their conversation reached an impasse, and Mama Cynthia announced her departure, stating that she needed to attend to her twin sons. 

With Mama Cynthia gone, Sonora dragged her chair closer to the still-sleeping Dew. She gazed into his face. 

Time seemed to pass differently, as if elongated by some mysterious force. Eventually, Sonora tore her gaze away from Dew's face, leaning back in her chair and directing her attention toward the window.

She spoke softly to herself, as if contemplating something, saying she felt like she had forgotten something important. Suddenly, a voice of a small girl erupted in her mind, shouting in a frightened, urgent manner. Sonora, realizing her mistake and bolted out of the shop.

(Voice of a small girl in Sonora's head interrupts.)

Voice in Sonora's Head (frightened, urgent manner): THE SCHOOL!

Sonora: (frustrated) Shit! 

Sonora decided not to take her bike due to the rough and uphill terrain that would only slow her down. 

The school, located about a kilometer away from her shop, was the town's sole educational institution, renowned for its academic excellence throughout the country. 

The school in which Lana studies.