Flora – part 4

The next day, Flora doesn’t wake with that usual weight on her heart. School is okay because she knows she can visit Peter afterwards. 

On her way to Peter’s she buys a Mars bar and looks out for a flower. But none is good enough. As she passes by a flower shop, a pot of daffodils catches her eye. Flora still has some pocket money left.

She is nearly at Peter’s house and she can feel herself walking a bit faster. Once she is there, she walks up to Peter’s window. But she can’t see him. Flora calls out to him. There is no answer. She goes to the front door and rings the doorbell. No answer. She is about to leave the daffodils and go home again when she sees a gardener tending to the roses.

“Excuse me, I’m a friend of Peter’s. He’s expecting me. Do you know when he will be back?”

“I don’t, I’m afraid.”

“Do you know where he is?”

“He was taken to hospital this morning.”

As he sees Flora’s face fall, he says:

“I could take you to him once I am done here.”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

She watches him.

“Do you have a favourite rose?”

“This one right here.”

“What’s it called?”

“Floribunda”. 

“That’s funny. My name’s Flora.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll be great friends.”

Flora smiles. But then a shadow crosses over her face. The gardener notices.

“We should probably get going, so you can give Peter his daffodils. The roses will be here when I get back.”

Flora nods.