Of Laurels and Wreaths

1. Seed

As far as Effie could remember, flowers have been embedded in all aspects of her life.

From the petals adorning her dresses, floral motifs engraved in the furniture, to the tall hedges acting as a border between her and the outside world. From a bird's eye view, the hedges formed a titan-sized wreath, with Effie right in the middle of it all.

Although people have pointed out how the hedges restricted her from fully enjoying the world of infinite possibilities, and suggested to trim them down - not once, but quite a number of times - she would smile and politely thank them, but would not carry it out.

"Their shoes are a different size than yours," she'd whisper to herself. "They may not know the various stops your train of thought had set its course to."

Of course, there have been countless instances which required Effie to step out of her garden - and out she stepped.

At first, fear gripped her. As time went on, she accepted it as a part of life that was meant to stay - much like getting acquainted with a new classmate.

Though no matter how familiar the feeling grew, or many times she climbed beyond the walls, the crippling fear lingered.

If at first the fear was equivalent to a metal vault door at banks, preventing her from seizing invaluable opportunities, now it shrunk into the form of fine, long chains.

And for all the times she got past the hedges, she would always wound up back at the center - where she knew was safest. Where sky-climbing hedges warded off harm, and precious blooms decorated her life.

---

One day, Effie embarked on a long journey into uncharted territory.

That world posed as a stark contrast to the welcoming familiarity radiated by the wreaths and blooms in Effie's garden.

A myriad of magnificent flora breathed life throughout the road - those that were one of its kind, and more.

All these could not be found within the vicinity of her titan-sized wreath, initially filling her with wonder.

On the other side of the coin, there too existed undoubtedly divine blooms, if only in appearance. Twice as much thorns. Some even released toxic by-products, and had insects swarming them.

These blooms planted seeds of doubt, and in her actions laid traces of uncertainty.

Nevertheless, she persisted.

Notes:

Et voila, it's been a long time since I published anything, short stories moreso. Seems like this would last a few parts.

Inspired to write by another writer. Floral references inspired by artworks on Instagram and the internet.

I'd like to hear your thoughts!