DRIED FLOWERS

#3: Chance Encounter

What’s the Good Thing About Summer?

I sat by my window, watching the kids outside reveling in the warmth of the afternoon sun. Their laughter filled the air—a sweet symphony of joy and freedom that danced on the breeze.

As I observed them, a pang of envy tugged at me. They seemed so carefree, unburdened by the world’s weight, lost in their realm of imagination and friendship. If only I could rewind time to soak in that same happiness.

With a sigh, I stepped out of my room. The day was too beautiful to waste, and the exuberance of those children sparked a longing within me. I grabbed my bike, eager to embrace the world outside.

I rode around the corner of the subdivision, seeking fresh air and a change of scenery. Each house I passed was a snapshot of everyday life. When I reached the flower shop from yesterday, I smiled, remembering the flowers I received—my first from a girl.

Continuing down the street, I spotted a convenience store a few blocks ahead. A craving for snacks hit me, so I decided to stop. I parked my bike securely and entered the store, the cool air a refreshing contrast to the summer heat.

Inside, I wandered through the aisles, scanning the shelves. I finally grabbed a can of cola and some hot buns before heading to a vacant table. I settled by the window, keeping an eye on my bike while watching people stroll by.

As I quietly enjoyed my snack, lost in my thoughts, I was startled when a girl placed two paper bags beside me.

“Gosh, it’s so heavy!” she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Curiosity piqued, I turned and was taken aback to see it was the same girl from the flower shop. A spark of recognition lit up her face as she smiled at me.

“Hi! You’re Mr. Lucky Charm!” she said, her grin contagious.

“Eh? Why do you call me that?” I asked, puzzled.

“Oh, remember when you came by our shop yesterday? The moment you left, we were flooded with customers. It was like you brought us good luck!” she explained, her eyes shining.

Her words warmed me.

I smiled back, continuing to eat my food while she sat down and pulled out a popsicle stick. We sat there, quietly enjoying our snacks, but I couldn't shake the nagging thought about her paper bags.

“Are you going to rent a pedal bike to get home?” I asked, breaking the silence.

She glanced at her bags, finishing her popsicle. “Um, no. I’m just going to walk home with these.”

Concern bubbled up in me, prompting a spontaneous offer. “You can ride with me. I have a bike with a basket. You can put those bags in there.”

Her cheeks flushed as she met my gaze. “No, it’s okay. I don’t want to trouble you.”

I hesitated, searching for a way to convince her. “Think of it as a thank you gift from me. You gave me flowers for free; I can give you a free ride.”

She hesitated, then finally relented.

Once we finished eating, the bustling sounds of the convenience store faded as we stepped outside. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, but it was her presence behind me that made my heart race.

As I carefully placed her bags in the basket of my bike, she hesitated before asking, “Do you mind if I hug you from behind? I’m a bit anxious about the ride.”

My cheeks burned at her request. I nodded, not trusting my voice to respond. I wanted her to feel safe, even if my own nerves were twisting like a coiled spring. When she wrapped her arms around me, it felt both comforting and electrifying.

As we rode away from the store, the wind whipped through my hair, and surprisingly, our conversation flowed easily.

We chatted about everything—our favorite snacks, silly childhood stories, and even the small things that made us laugh.

It struck me that sometimes, the simplest moments—a shared laugh, a gentle tease—could transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Extraordinary? Was I really thinking that?

Her house was not far from the store, and before I knew it, we arrived in less than ten minutes. She hopped off the bike, her eyes bright. “Thank you so much for the ride! I’ll treat you next time,” she said, a shy smile lighting up her face, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush.

I felt my throat tighten, unsure how to respond. My shyness felt like a heavy blanket draped over me. I tried to muster a smile, hoping it would convey what I couldn’t say. “It’s really no trouble at all. But you’re welcome!” I managed, my voice a little more confident than I felt.

She waved at me, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “Goodbye!” she called, before disappearing into her house, leaving me standing there, heart racing, staring at the closed door.

What is this feeling? I thought, bewildered.

I think I’m happy, but is it okay to feel this way? Meeting her again—could it really spark something like this within me?

I didn’t understand myself at all. Once I got home, I made a beeline for my room, grabbing the notebook where I sketched the day before. I flipped through the pages, finally settling on a blank one, my heart still fluttering from the ride.

Without thinking, I began to sketch her—her carefree smile as she enjoyed a popsicle, the way the sunlight danced in her hair. The details were etched in my mind so vividly, it was as if I had captured a moment in time.

On the other side of the paper, I drew another scene: her and me riding the bicycle together, her hands resting gently on my back. The warmth of her touch lingered in my memory, and I found myself smiling despite the whirlpool of confusion inside.

Why do I feel like a maniac? I wondered, my pencil pausing mid-stroke. Is it even normal to feel this way about someone so quickly?

I set the pencil down, staring at the sketches. Maybe I was overthinking it. Maybe this feeling, this rush of emotion, was just a part of discovering something new—a connection that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

For the first time in a long while, I'm excited about what tomorrow might bring.