The Truth Untold

Ⅱ

  ______________________________

The girl had given the food to the children two days ago, and their joy had warmed her heart. They had never seen so much food before. Their eyes had widened in shock when they realized that the rich people tossed aside such good things. It reminded her of the lie she told to protect them, but it was a lie she felt she had to live with.

For two days, her thoughts kept drifting back to the beautiful garden she had discovered. It was full of vibrant flowers, a hidden paradise in the midst of a harsh city. Today, she decided to go into the market again, but not for stealing. As they had just enough food for now. She walked through the bustling streets, noticing a couple of boys nearby, talking in hushed voices.

"I want to give her flowers" one boy said, his deep voice filled with excitement. She leaned in, curious about what they were saying. Why was she so curious? She couldn't quite explain it, she just was.

"Yeah, give her flowers. That always works with girls," the other boy replied, nodding eagerly. But the first boy shook his head. "But where will I get flowers? There's nothing nice around here. She's from the rich quarter. They must have the most beautiful flowers there."

The second boy shrugged. "No, the flowers there are probably the same as here just more expensive."

Their conversation sparked a new idea in her mind. If flowers were so precious, what if she collected them from the garden and sold them? She wouldn't have to steal food anymore and could avoid the risk of getting caught. Joy surged within her as she thought of the possibilities. She could sell the flowers in both the poor and the rich quarters and make enough money to help her friends.

Excited, she hurried home to prepare. She told the children she was taking a walk. Today, she had no worries because there was still some food left for them. The children were happy too. Just seeing how they were joking around with each other with such energy put her in a good mood. With a spring in her step, she made her way back to the garden, unaware that it belonged to someone. Unaware that she would steal again.

There he was, standing by his window, watching her. He noticed every presence that entered his garden, and it was always her the girl from two days ago.
What was she doing here?
Did she not feel fear?

He looked in the mirror, disgusted by what he saw. He couldn't bear to look at his own face, hidden behind a mask that he never took off. Feared of rejection. He could not risk that people see him the way he is, the way he looks. No one had seen his face, and no one spoke to him. The whole city feared him, and he felt completely alone, isolated from the world. His garden was his only companion, the only thing that could see him as he truly was.

And now, this girl was trampling through it, cutting his flowers.
How could someone be so cruel?
He was annoyed at first.
How can someone hate him so much, that someone cuts his only spark of life ?

He watched in amazement as she worked, seemingly unafraid. Should he confront her? He had no desire for a conversation. The judgments of others had become too much to bear.

Deciding to let her be, he hoped she would leave his flowers alone in the future.

Days passed, and she returned again and again. Each time, he observed her.

He realized, maybe she doesn't know that he lives here? , that the garden belonged to someone.

One day, he even saw her watering the flowers. She was taking care of them. Each day she was there she looked at his garden with big dreamy eyes. That's when he was aware of how much love she is actually giving his flowers.
How amazed she is by its beauty.
He found her fascinating.
No one had ever cared for his garden like that.

With his curiosity growing, he resolved to put on his mask and go outside. He wanted to know what she was doing with his flowers and why she cared so much for them, that she even steps to his garden which everyone else avoided.

Meanwhile, the girl began selling the flowers and was thrilled to see people buy them. The boy from the conversation she had overheard a few days earlier approached her, his eyes lighting up when he saw her beautiful blooms.

,, Take this flower, it is very beautiful.This flower carries the colors of your love and will make your girlfriend's heart bloom with joy."

He smiled appreciating her Words.
A few days ago she decided to go to the library and borrow a book about flowers, so that she could sell them and find out what they meant. The meaning of flowers fascinated her and she wanted to know more about them.
The guy quickly bought a bouquet, and she thanked him not just for the money but for inspiring her to start selling. It was a good decision she made, but she quickly started to realise that the amount of money she takes, is not enough for all children including her. Nobody in this neighborhood had much money, so she couldn't sell the flowers for a high price.

Encouraged, she decided to venture into the rich quarter, hoping to sell even more flowers there. Sitting against a rocky wall, she laid out her colorful blooms, marveling at how different the rich quarter was. Hours passed as she waited, hungry but hopeful, eager to sell all her flowers before they wilted. She had to be fast.

Just as she was about to gather her things and head home, a shadow fell over her. She looked up to see a figure standing before her and all she could see were unfamiliar gray blue eyes staring down at her.

A