She kept a bowl of flowers on the sideboard I never once saw wilt. Regardless of the time of year, weather, or the close attentions of her ginger cat named — unsurprisingly — Ginger, the flowers thrived. They were pink, pretty even, but never worth more than a cursory glance.
I passed those flowers every day for the three years we lived together. Not once did I water or maintain them, and to my knowledge, neither did she. I prayed they’d keel over just to prove they weren’t plastic, or, at least, not as false as me. Once, I even tugged their petals, but we’ll keep that to ourselves. Obstinate flowers still didn’t fall.
The day I left, I paused at the door. “At least tell me their bloody name, I’ve looked at them all this time and still have no idea what they’re called!”
“Same name as me,” she replied, her eyes wet and weeping.
Richard is a writer and author of The Eternals Series published by Creativia. A former Authonomy.com gold medalist, part of HarperCollins, Richard has had many short stories and poetry published and always feels extremely privileged each time.
A prolific writer, a constant source of clearing his mind, Richard has created this website to share just some of the many poems and prose he has written that would otherwise have fallen by the wayside.
Reading and writing have always been Richard's main love along with the pursuit of keeping fit. Running, walking, and anything that provides a spectacular view always feature highly for him.
Running in the rain with his headphones on whilst dreaming up some future storyline is just about perfect. It would be nicer still if that run was in Switzerland or Norway, but we can't have everything.
Oh, and coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
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Wow…maybe dead flowers. You always amaze me with your words Richard and great endings. I still and always will think you are my favorite writer, I’m so happy to know you. 🙂
Wow. Powerfully sad, my friend.
Cheers, D. 🙂
Not Rose. Not Violet. Not Pansy. Not Daisy. Not Her.
That’s very good. 😄
Or love-in-idleness? Great short story, Richard:)
Thanks, Sarah. 🙂
So beautiful and sad. Powerful story, Richard!
Thank you 🙂
Wow…maybe dead flowers. You always amaze me with your words Richard and great endings. I still and always will think you are my favorite writer, I’m so happy to know you. 🙂
Aww, thank you. That’s very kind and much appreciated. 😀
🙂