The Enigmatic Flowers of Everwood

Chapter 17: The help

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the coroner emerged, breaking the heavy silence with a call for the officers. 

Dew, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts, barely registered the summons; his mind was fixated on unraveling the enigma surrounding Sonora's flower shop. 

Officer Miller, teetering on the edge of sleep, jolted back to reality as the coroner's voice rose, piercing through the fog of his drowsiness. 

Yet, Dew remained in his contemplative realm, pondering every detail from the very start of this bewildering day. 

It took a gentle nudge from Officer Miller to anchor him to the present moment.

Upon spotting the coroner stationed at the autopsy room's entrance, Dew recognized that the procedure had concluded. 

Driven by his thirst for answers, he hurried towards the coroner, brushing aside Officer Miller, who was standing nearby. 

His urgency propelled him into a direct inquiry about the autopsy's findings. He was so engrossed in the matter that he unintentionally pushed aside the officer who had tried to pull him back to reality.

Dew's inquiry was direct and charged: "Is there anything unusual about the body?"

The coroner led them into the room and revealed the remains of the boy, a grim display that sent shivers down their spines. Only bones and fragments of flesh remained, a haunting testament to the horrors the young boy had endured. 

The coroner, his face reflecting a mix of shock and confusion, pointed out the unnatural state of the body. It was a condition indicative of severe malnutrition, as if the boy had been deprived of sustenance for an extended period. The horrifying sight deepened the mystery; how could someone deteriorate to this extent, especially in a place as bustling as a school?

With a tremor in his voice, the coroner elaborated, "This level of degradation only happens when a person hasn't consumed any sustenance for an extended duration. It's impossible for such a state to go unnoticed, especially in a school filled with people. I'm baffled; I've never seen anything like this before. I'll delve deeper into this, and if I find anything more, I'll certainly let you know."

The room seemed to close in, suffused with an unshakable sense of dread. The bones and the vacant eye sockets of the deceased boy held a secret, one that could potentially unravel the fabric of reality itself.

Dew and Officer Miller swiftly left the hospital, propelled by a sense of urgency to commence their investigation without a moment's delay. 

The gravity of the situation weighed on them as they headed to the station, prepared to unravel the unsettling enigma that had befallen their quiet town.

Meanwhile, Sonora resumed her daily routine, determined not to let the recent tragedy disrupt her flower shop's operations. 

The atmosphere within the shop seemed subdued, the usual bustling crowd replaced by a somber quietness. Sonora was well aware of the reason behind this unusual lull, yet she continued her work as she always did. 

The flowers needed arranging, and her shop needed attending to.

In the midst of her tasks, a disconcerting voice whispered in her mind, insinuating blame: "You know it's your fault." Undeterred, Sonora remained steadfast, refusing to succumb to the eerie voice. She focused on arranging the vibrant flowers, their fragrance filling the air, attempting to drown out the unsettling thoughts.

Mama Cynthia and Lana, sensing the subdued atmosphere, chose to stay and assist Sonora. Lana, though advised to remain home, was determined to help in the shop, standing resilient in the face of the ongoing problem at her school. 

The trio continued their daily tasks, their unity and determination to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the shop providing a glimmer of hope.

Amidst the routine, a call shattered the relative calm. It was Carol, the esteemed principal of the school.

Carol: "Hello, Sonora. This is Carol, the school's principal. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Carol, known for her beauty and intellect, held the honor of being the first woman to lead the school.

Sonora: "Hello, Carol. Not at all, how can I assist you today?"

She reached out to Sonora, requesting her assistance in redecorating the school gate, specifically by replacing the dead ivy creepers. 

Carol emphasized the need to restore the school's facade, hoping it would bolster the students' confidence, showcasing Sonora as a symbol of strength and reliability. The town believed in Sonora's ability to inspire and heal, attributing mystical properties to her flowers.

Carol: "I'm you've heard of the unfortunate incident at school. The atmosphere is heavy with fear and unease. I believe your touch, your flowers, can help bring some solace to the students and parents. Would you consider redecorating the school gate like you did before?"

Sonora was deeply touched by this request. Responding with enthusiasm, she assured Carol that she would come right away to redecorate the gate and make additional enhancements to infuse positivity back into the school's environment. 

With a sense of purpose and determination, she hung up, ready to bring her magic to the school once more.

Sonora: "Of course, Carol. I understand the importance of restoring a sense of normalcy and reassurance. I'll head there right away and make sure it's even more comforting this time."

Carol: "Thank you, Sonora.