Skies & Florets

Chapter 30

QUENTIN

The afternoon sun streamed through the flower shop windows, casting warm golden rays that danced across the vibrant blooms. Lilac and I were about to close up for the day, our earlier laughter still echoing in my mind. I felt a sense of contentment, knowing we'd shared some beautiful moments together.

I couldn't wait for our lunch date, where I hoped, we could continue to explore this connection that had been reignited between us.

"Lilac, do you have everything you need for later?" I asked, glancing around the shop. The faint scent of roses mixed with the earthy aroma of fresh soil was comforting, a reminder of how much I enjoyed being here with her.

"Yeah, I think I'm all set," she replied, her voice bright as she tidied up the last of the flower arrangements. I noticed how her cheeks flushed with color; her smile radiant as she moved gracefully among the blooms.

But then, something shifted. A shadow seemed to pass over her face, and I could see her expression change, the light in her eyes dimming for just a moment. "Quentin?" she murmured, her voice suddenly strained.

"Lilac?" I stepped closer, concern creeping into my chest. "What's wrong?"

She placed a hand on her chest, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "I. . . I think I'm—"

Before she could finish her sentence, her legs buckled beneath her. Time slowed as I watched her sway, her face going pale. Panic surged through me, a visceral reaction that gripped my insides. "Lilac!" I shouted, rushing forward just as she collapsed to the floor.

My heart raced as I knelt beside her, my hands hovering uncertainly above her. "Lilac, can you hear me?" I said, my voice trembling with fear. She was unconscious, her chest rising and falling too slowly for my liking. "Wake up, please!"

I checked for a pulse, relief flooding through me when I felt her heartbeat—weak but steady. But the panic clawed at my throat. "Someone, help! Lilac!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the small shop.

The bell above the door chimed as a customer walked in, their cheerful demeanor quickly shifting to alarm as they rushed toward us. "What happened?"

"Call an ambulance!" I ordered, my eyes never leaving Lilac's face. She looked so fragile lying there, surrounded by the petals of her creations. "Please, hurry!"

The customer nodded and rushed to the phone. I leaned closer to Lilac, my heart pounding in my chest. "Lilac, please. I need you to wake up," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I can't lose you. Not again."