𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙳 || Original Story

sixteen | parents

I was glad that I had accepted Kate's offer of helping out in her shop because I hoped to do something productive and rewarding. It would certainly not be tedious and it'd be nice to make idle chit-chat with her throughout the day and to meet the many people of Maplebrook.

"You're looking very dapper today," Kate laughed when I arrived at the shop that morning.

I thought that I'd put a bit more effort into being presentable, so had abandoned my usual shirt/jumper/jeans combination and had dressed in a pair of immaculate navy-blue trousers, a waistcoat of the same colour, and with a new white shirt, a red silk tie, and brogues.

They were what is dubbed as my 'city clothes' as I looked more like a business man than somebody living in a country house.

"Is it t-too much?" I replied. "I c-could always g-go home and change."

"No, no!" She exclaimed. "Don't be daft. You look good. Just put this on."

Kate then handed me a beige-coloured apron that was embroidered with her shop's name and logo: the word 'Eufloria' (a clever pun, if I ever saw one) paired with a minimalist daisy.

Many customers came and went, and those who hadn't seen me before were surprised to meet an unfamiliar face. However, everyone was lovely and welcoming just like Kate was.

It had just turned midday when the shop fell quiet. And I'd decided that, during the periods of time where there weren't any customers, I'd wrap small bouquets of flowers in ribbons. They'd proven popular today, so I could imagine how often Kate had to tie them up.

Luckily for me, I'd also spent the morning restocking and taking payments- two tasks which didn't require too much talking and too much energy being burned by anxiety.

I was just settling into the second big batch of bouquets when the bell above the door tinkled cheerfully. I gazed up, peering over the rims of my glasses to see an older couple enter the shop. Their skin was tanned and both were both dressed in what I guessed to be their best summer clothes- both sets of outfits light blue in colour.

"Hi!" Kate smiled, making her way over to them. "You're finally back."

"We are indeed!" the woman exclaimed as Kate hugged her and then moved on to hug the man. "And you're not as busy as you usually are."

"Well, it's still early yet," she replied. "It'll be a lot busier later. Trust me... Oh!"

Kate turned to face me as I was tying ribbons around some tulips. "Mum, Dad. This is Edgar. Edgar, my mum- Marina- and my dad- Russell."

"Edgar? What an unusual name for a man of your age," Marina commented, curiosity toning her voice, to which I tried not to smile too awkwardly.