Nine Years.
Hafen's hazel orbs roamed over the lush, green open fields of Iceland, guarded by tall alps blanketed with patches of snow. The spring season still brought a crisp and freezing breeze against her skin—a kiss of coldness that cascaded down to her core.
Her eyes couldn't resist gazing at the woman beside her, who peacefully admired the surrounding scenery. The woman's presence made all the turmoil inside Hafen subside into tranquility—a feeling the older woman was very accustomed to.
The green pasture was littered with cuckoo flowers, scattered like her thoughts. Everything looked perfect; everything seemed to be in place.
It was half past two in the afternoon, and the clouds were starting to form above, threatening to interrupt the moment they were having.
"The lavender flowers have started to bloom," Alesund noted with a meek smile on her lips, gesturing toward the purple flowers around them.
"Yes, the season is about to change." Hafen's voice carried a swirl of emotion, a subtle enigma behind the words. "Your favorite season is about to end."
The month of June was almost over.
It's almost over.
"Summer is my least favorite season," Alesund said. "And it's your favorite." She let out a small chuckle, emphasizing their differences.
"It's not that bad. You just don't like warm weather, but it isn't that hot either," Hafen argued with a small laugh, justifying her choice of season. "But spring will always be special to me."
Alesund met Hafen's wide, hopeful doe eyes. "It was when we first met."
Nine Years ago.
"I will never forget that day," Hafen said, her smile soft as if she were watching the memory unfold before her eyes. The bits and pieces of emotion from that day rushed back like gentle waves, wearing down her defenses.
"How could you?" Alesund shot her an incredulous look, amused by the woman now giggling beside her, entertained by her own silliness. "You were smitten the moment I set foot in your flower shop."
"How could I possibly defend myself when it's so obvious?" Hafen shook her head, a silly smile spreading across her velvet lips.
"Calla lily," Hafen murmured, wetting her lips as the cool June breeze swept past them. The memory of its significance still lingered in her mind, and she never ceased to marvel at the beauty of Alesund's thoughts. "You're the only person I know who loves calla lilies."
"'Cause why not?" Alesund quipped. "They signify—"
She was abruptly cut off by Hafen's quick retort.
"Purity, faithfulness," Hafen finished what Alesund was about to say. "But most people who visit the shop buy it for their beloved departed."
Hafen, as always, spoke with a casual wisdom that Alesund deeply admired. She loved how Hafen had a way of teaching her new things, seemingly at random, yet always with meaning.
"But if you think about it," Alesund continued with a hopeful tone, "it signifies that life and death aren't really the end. They're just the beginning of something new."
"And you wonder why I fell for you?" Hafen smirked at the woman beside her, who wore the same goofy smile. "Your mind is beautiful."
"That's what she said." Alesund's shoulders shook with laughter.
"But I've realized something over the years of running the flower shop," Hafen said, her voice pulling Alesund's full attention. "People are so busy mourning their departed while those who have passed are starting a new life—a life where their loved ones no longer exist. No memories of them, nothing. Isn't that funny?"
