The night was colder than usual.
Saesha held Divit's hand tightly, her heart still hammering in her chest.
"I'm sorry, Divit," she whispered shakily.
"I'm so, so sorry."
Divit didn't understand what had happened.
He simply smiled at her, like he always did when she spoke softly, his expression innocent and calm despite the pain he'd endured.
Saesha bent down, kissed his forehead, and helped him walk back to their small flower shop, their home.
The small building stood at the end of the street, with colorful flowers hanging at the windows, swaying in the cold breeze.
She unlocked the door with shaking hands...
Inside, the scent of fresh flowers filled the air, roses, jasmine, marigolds, and lilies.
It was warm... Familiar...
Their whole life was inside this tiny shop, a small counter in the front, flowers all around, and behind a curtain, a tiny room with a bed, a table, and a kitchen.
Saesha helped Divit sit on the bed...
She wiped the dirt off his clothes, cleaned the small cuts on his knee where he had fallen earlier.
He looked at her with wide eyes, his lips parted, as if waiting for her to say something.
"You're okay," she whispered, more to herself than to him.
"You're okay, Divit.... You're okay."
The bell above the shop door jingled.
Saesha wiped her eyes quickly and walked out to the counter.
An old woman stood there, wrinkled, wearing a faded green shawl, and holding a small purse.
"Evening, dear," the old woman said warmly.
Saesha managed a small smile.
"Good evening, Aaji. What can I get you?"
The old woman smiled kindly, her eyes drifting to the back where Divit sat silently.
"Some jasmine, child," she said.
"For my prayer room."
Saesha quickly gathered a small bunch and wrapped it neatly.
When she handed it over, the old woman looked at her closely.
"You're strong, you know," Aaji said softly, patting Saesha's hand.
Saesha froze, her throat tightening.
"You have a heavy weight on your shoulders, but you're doing well, child. Just hold on a little longer. Everything will be okay."
Saesha lowered her eyes.
"Any news from the doctors?" the old woman asked gently.
Saesha shook her head, her voice barely a whisper.
"No positive result."
The old woman sighed deeply and reached out to pat Saesha's cheek.
"Still... miracles happen. Keep your faith alive, little one."
With that, she gave a soft smile, picked up her flowers, and slowly walked out into the night.
The bell jingled again as the door closed behind her.
The shop fell silent...
Saesha stood there, staring at the door for a long time.
Her heart felt heavier than ever.
