Arrange Devotion | SS

Chapter 7. Thorns of Possession

Joshua gently cradled the plant pot, his nose wrinkling at the sight of the dried leaves and brittle branches.

The rain outside was starting to taper off, and Joshua hated seeing his precious greenery wither away.

"Please, don't die on me like this..." he murmured, pouting at the white lily, its once vibrant petals now drooping lifelessly.

Joshua adored his plants, finding solace in a home adorned and nurtured by nature's touch. But when the inevitable time came for them to fade, it always filled him with a quiet, lingering sadness.

He sighed, brushing his fingers gently over the lily's wilting leaves, as if his touch alone could revive it. The sight of the fragile plant tugged at his heart, reminding him of the fleeting nature of life, both beautiful and bittersweet.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing it, not when it had brought so much calm to his space, filling it with a quiet, serene beauty.

Joshua's eyes softened as he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "You've been so good to me, bringing light into this room. I just wish I could do the same for you." He knew he couldn't stop the cycle of life, but that didn't ease the ache in his chest.

He carefully set the pot back on the windowsill, hoping the little remaining sunlight might give it a fighting chance. Stepping back, he lingered for a moment, unwilling to turn away.

His love for plants ran deep, rooted in a desire to surround himself with the natural world's blessings. But every time one of his beloved greens began to wither, it felt like a small part of that connection was slipping away, leaving him yearning for a way to hold on just a little longer.

Suddenly, Joshua's phone pinged with a notification. He turned his attention away from the plant, a soft smile gracing his lips as he saw the name flash on the screen. With a quick tap, he opened the message.

James: Hey beautiful, breakfast?

Joshua's smile widened as he typed a reply. It had been two weeks since he started chatting with this guy from an online dating app-James Bennett. James was everything Joshua had hoped for in a partner: kind, attentive, and the perfect gentleman.

James worked at a renowned tech company and had a comfortable salary. He lived alone, with his relatives far across the world.

And he was undeniably handsome-5'9" with a striking black mullet and sharp American-Korean features that made him stand out in any crowd.

Every time they talked or exchanged messages, Joshua couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach.

Me: Not yet. My white lily is dying, and I feel like crying. ☹️

James: Is that so? How long has it been with you?

Joshua paused, looking back at the wilting plant, his heart heavy with the thought of losing it. The conversation with James brought a bit of comfort, a gentle distraction from the sadness that clung to him.

He appreciated how easily James could lift his spirits, even when they talked about something as simple as breakfast.

Joshua sighed, typing a response as he thought about the lily that had brightened his days for nearly a year.

Me: It's been with me for almost a year. It's hard to let go.

His phone buzzed again.

James: I'm sure you took great care of it. Maybe it's time for a new plant-and a new chapter. How about we pick one out together? We could meet up, maybe make a day of it?