Wilting Flowers

Blooming Rose

It took a bit for Rose to finally open her eyes. The tears of the night before had dried up her eye lids and shut it tight. When she let the bright light of the sun into her eyes, she knew this day had to be different. She couldn't stand another day of sadness and tears. Today, Rose was going to be the most bloomed flower. She slowly slid out from under her blanket and let her feet touch the soft, warm carpet.

Rose went straight to the bathroom to wash her face, something she never thought was important to do, and once the cold water hit her face, her energy was already filling up. She stared into the mirror, looking deep into her green eyes and told herself that today was the day. She quickly got out of her sleeping gown and wore a fresh pair of jeans and her favorite grey sweater. She went to her makeup table, something she never even uses, put on bright, cherry red lipstick and a little touch of mascara. Done.

When she got down to the kitchen, her parents just stared at her in silence and shock. Rose stared back, a smile on her face.

Mom: Rose, I- wow, you look great.

Dad: Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?

Rose: I'm fine! Just decided to go out this morning, see what the neighborhood is up to.

Dad: That sounds like a great idea, let me get my keys and we'll-

Rose: Dad no, I mean, alone. I want to explore a bit, alone.

Dad: Oh well, I mean yeah that's... that's fine too.

Mom: Well at least have some breakfast first.

Rose: It's fine mom, I'll grab something to eat from the diner. Bye.

Just like that, Rose had gone out alone, probably for the first time in ages. She was a bit nervous and overwhelmed that she was actually doing this but she told herself it's for the best. She walked down the sidewalk and felt the light wind brush through her hair and her neck. She took a deep breathe in. She could smell the flowers of the neighbors as she walked past the houses. Johnny, one of the neighbors teenage son was on his bicycle, coming towards her. Rose hadn't had a proper conversation with outsiders in a while, she got nervous.

Johnny: Rose! Hey! I haven't seen you in ages! How are you doing?

Rose: Hi Johnny! Yeah I've been off the radar a bit, but I'm doing great, what about you? What are you doing this morning?

Johnny: I was just headed to the grocery store, Its a regular routine now for me to do so. It was great seeing you, I'm in a hurry but we need to catch up later. Daydream Café in 2 days?

Rose: Oh, that would be great! I'd love too come! I'll see you then!

Johnny cycled off and Rose continued walking, she couldn't believe she even managed to hold a conversation and accepted to hang out with a person that wasn't her parents. Rose approached Dolly's Diner, took a deep breathe and walked in. As soon as she walked in, people stared at her, shock in their eyes. Some people clearly didn't even recognize her. She quickly walked to a empty table farthest from people and sat down. Has she really been away that long? The waitress came to Rose's table to take her order and Rose got her usual pancakes with extra syrup that she used to get back when she used to come here. She took her phone out to occupy herself while food was being made and she couldn't help but feel eyes all around her. A heavy feeling was stirring in her and she felt like she couldn't breathe. This was a mistake, she clearly wasn't ready yet. Rose got up and quickly left the diner, her eyes locked on the floor, not daring to look up.

The walk back to her house was gloomy. Rose tried looking for some sort of cute or funny situation in the bright day to make her feel better but instead she saw kids crying or husbands and wives fighting through the windows of their houses. It was a dark day undeniably. Rose woke up with the colors of the world presenting themselves to her after so long but once again, all that was left was black and white. She took her keys from the pocket of her jeans, unlocked her house door and walked in, avoiding her parents sight at all costs. She went up the stairs and heard mother asking "Rose? Is that you sweetie?" but she ignored it and went to her room, shutting the door behind her. She took off her shoes, crawled into bed and felt a little tear trickle out her left eye. Roses' day was over.