Bikeriders Serenade

The Orange Tree

The sky mirrored Austin’s mood – a dull gray canvas that matched the weight in his chest. It was the anniversary of Lori’s passing, and the day held a sharp, bittersweet edge.  Normally, he was the epitome of sunshine, his laughter contagious, his outlook undeniably optimistic – a trait he inherited from his mom. But today, the usual vibrancy was replaced by a subdued silence, a somber stillness that hung heavy in the air.

Lucy, ever vigilant to his subtle shifts in demeanor, noticed the change immediately.  "Are you alright, love?" she asked, her voice soft as she touched his hand.

He forced a smile, a fleeting flicker of light in the somber landscape of his emotions. "Yeah, just a bit...tired," he mumbled.

But Lucy knew better. She knew the deep chasm of grief that lay beneath his facade.   She knew how deeply he loved his mom, how much she had shaped his soul, coloring it with her warm optimism and infectious joy. 

"Let's go outside, okay?" she suggested gently, her hand gently guiding him towards the backyard.

As they stepped into the sun-drenched space, the air filled with the scent of blooming honeysuckle, a sweet, almost cloying perfume that instantly transported him back.

*Flashback*

He was eight, maybe nine.  The summer sun, a molten orange orb, dripped warmth onto his skin as he stood beside his mom, his small hand reaching towards the heavy branches of the orange tree. 

"Mommy, how did they get so big?" he asked, his eyes wide with wonder. 

Lori, her smile warm as the summer sun, brushed a stray strand of hair from his forehead, her laughter as melodic as a bird's song. "They soak up the sunshine, my little ray of sunshine," she said, her voice a soothing melody that filled his soul with joy.

She gently plucked an orange from the branch, the skin smooth and bright.  "Remember when we made orange juice?  We'll do it again next time."

"Can we make them into juice right now?"

"We can always make another batch, but today, we'll savor the sweetness." She held the orange out to him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "A little taste of sunshine, just for you."

He took a bite, the tart, tangy juice exploding on his tongue, the sweetness lingering.  In that moment, the world was sunshine and warmth, a perfect symphony of love and laughter.

*End Flashback*

He blinked, pulling himself back to the present.  The scent of honeysuckle was still strong, but now it held a tinge of melancholy, a whisper of the past.

"Remember that orange tree, Mom and I used to pick oranges from?" he asked, his voice soft, barely a whisper. "I always wished we could have our own."

Lucy, her eyes reading his thoughts, a silent understanding passing between them, nodded, her hand gently squeezing his.  "We can plant one.  Right here, in the backyard.  A tribute to Lori.”

“A little piece of sunshine for you.  Just like she always brought you,” she added, a warm smile gracing her lips.

He felt a flicker of hope; a faint warmth blooming amidst the chill of grief.  The idea of planting a tree, a physical reminder of his mom, brought a touch of comfort.  He looked at Lucy, a gentle smile curving his lips. "That sounds perfect."

The local nursery was bustling with life.  The scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filled the air, a stark contrast to the somber silence of his home.  But even surrounded by vibrant hues and the promise of new growth, the weight of his grief lingered.

As they walked through rows of trees, their hands intertwined, Austin pointed out an orange tree, a perfect replica of the one from his childhood.  He could almost hear his mom's laughter echoing in the breeze.

“That's it,” he whispered, a hint of excitement in his voice.

A few aisles over, something caught Austin's eye.  A vibrant cluster of pink roses, their petals soft and delicate like spun sugar.  They were arranged in a pot, simply labeled 'Lori.'  A chill ran down his spine.

"Lori?” he murmured, his hand reaching out to touch the velvety pink blooms.  His mom, a lover of all things delicate and vibrant, had adored pink roses. It felt like a sign, a whisper from beyond.  He had to have them.

"Can we get these too?" he asked Lucy, his voice hushed but filled with a sense of longing.

Lucy, always attuned to his emotional cues, smiled warmly. "Of course, love. They're beautiful."

Back in the backyard, they planted the orange tree, the soil grounding them in the present, while the echoes of the past danced in their hearts.  They placed the pink rose pot beneath the newly planted tree, envisioning them growing together, their roots intertwined, a beautiful testament to the love that bound them all.

As they stood back to admire their work, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the backyard, painting the air with warmth. The orange tree stood tall, a promise of future sunshine, while the pink roses bloomed, a gentle reminder of Lori’s enduring presence.

Austin felt a sense of calm settle over him.  A quiet understanding that even in the absence of his mom, her spirit would always bloom in their hearts, a beacon of warmth and sunshine, forever intertwined with the roots of their love.