She winks before turning back to her work, moving around the shop, gathering flowers while explaining what they are.I try to listen, but the words blur together.Flowers aren’t my thing.
Amelia is.
And if this makes her smile, then that’s all that matters.
Once the arrangement is done, Leila wraps them in crisp brown paper, tying it with twine and ribbon.“Here you go.Sure to brighten someone’s day.”
I smile, grateful she doesn’t ask who they’re for.Pulling out my wallet, I hand her the cash.
As I take the bouquet, the scent rises between us, and I head for the door.But just as I step outside, I bump into someone.
“Whoa.”
I take a step back, steadying myself, and then I recognize her.
Hazel.
She glances at the bouquet in my hands.“Those are nice.Who are they for?”
I force an easy smile, adjusting my grip on the flowers.“They’re for your family,” I say smoothly.“I was going to give them to Amelia to pass along to you guys.”
Hazel narrows her eyes slightly, like she doesn’t quite believe me.“I can take them if you want.”For a second, I consider it.But then she adds, “I wasn’t heading home right away.”
Something tugs in my stomach.
“What are you up to?”I ask.
Hazel shifts her school bag higher on her shoulder, the strap digging into her uniform.Her fingers toy with the edges of a spiral notebook, the corners worn from fidgeting.She hesitates before speaking, eyes flicking down to the pages like she’s trying to find the right words written there.
“Well, I’ve got this school project,” she finally says, her voice softer than before.“I’m going to volunteer to coordinate a program at the retirement village.Help with yard work, groceries, that kind of thing.Something about giving back.”
“That sounds great.”And I mean it.
Her fingers tighten around the notebook.“Yeah, I guess.It’s just… I’m not good at this kind of stuff, and everyone’s too busy to help.And Mom—” Her voice wobbles for the first time.“She can’t.I would ask Amelia, but she’s been too busy with work and taking care of Mom.I don’t want to add to her worries.”
Guilt flashes across her face before she drops her gaze, staring hard at the ground.My shoulders tense.She’s just a kid trying to handle everything on her own.
“I could help.”
“You sure?”she asks suddenly, eyes darting back up.
“I don’t have much to do today, honestly.That’s why I got these flowers.Day off, no real plans.I don’t have a little sister.”I smile.“Might be nice to borrow one for the day.”
That earns me a small smile.
“Sure,” she says.“I was actually heading to the retirement village now.”
“Mind if I tag along?”
She considers for a second before nodding.“Alright.You lead the way.”
“Do we need my car?”
“Actually,” she pauses, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “would you mind dropping me home afterward?Since you were coming with the flowers anyway?”
“Of course.”
We cross the street toward my car, and as we settle inside, Hazel glances at the bouquet now resting on the backseat.“Those are really nice flowers,” she says casually, but there’s a gleam in her eye.“She’s gonna like them.”
