The Flower Maker

Chapter Nine

Snow came to the street slowly, ebbing and flowing as the days went by. And the spirits and circumstances of some of the shop's visitors seemed to drop with the temperature.

'. . . I hope Mr Fowler gets better.'

'So do I.' Brian was not looking his cheery self. 'I just don't think he will. His aged body can't handle being sick like this. Yesterday he was hacking up a storm and I'm sure I saw him coughing up blood.'

'Blood? That is not a good sign. Is anyone looking after him?'

'No. He's held up in bed alone. I told him he should send for his family so they can come and take care of him, but he refuses. He doesn't want to put them out or to worry them.'

'That's just silly of him.'

'That's what I said and he got all mad and threatened to fire me if I brought it up again.'

'Would he fire you?'

'Of course not. If he did, who would take over for me. I'm the only one who can stand him. Also, he's running me ragged now that he's bedridden and nobody would want that amount of work. Especially for the amount he pays me.'

It was tough for Rebecca to see Brian the way he was. It was as if a shining beacon had been snuffed of light.

'Tell me about it. I'm up every working minute making the lotus flowers for Mr Andrews and I won't be getting any of the money he'll be getting.'

Brian shook his head. 'It almost makes you wonder why we even try.'

Rebecca wanted to put her arms around him. She wanted to be close to him, to warm his heart, to make him feel better. But her fear outweighed her desire. She cursed her doleful self and cried inside.

'Hmmmm.' That was all that came out of Rebecca's mouth.

'Look at us being all miserable. What you and I need to do is find love.'

Anne noticed a sparkle flash through Brian's eyes. She was then surprised with how she replied.

'Do you have anyone in mind?'

Brian looked down and smiled. 'I do.'

Rebecca felt as if she had been swallowed whole and was walking blind in a pit of despair. Would he have looked away if it was her? The only answer she considered was no.

Almost on the verge of tears, Rebecca said rapidly and in a whisper, 'Excuse me. I need to get back to my lotus flowers. Have a good day, Brian.' She then swiftly left the front of her shop for the back, soon hearing the doorbell from Brian's departure.