As the last rays of sunlight slip through the windows of Florist Shop, I take a deep breath, welcoming the sweet scents of blooms to wash over me one last time before heading home. After Tom left with the deliveries, it got very busy in here, loads of pedestrians ambling in and buying up many of my plants, making the shelves feel emptier to me now. I’ll tend to them tomorrow.
The shop is quiet, a peaceful oasis after a long day filled with tension, confrontations, and some very sweet moments.
“Well, life certainly isn’t boring,” I mutter as I gently set Ralphie’s carrier down on the marble counter, giving him a reassuring scratch behind his soft ears. Zipping the top I ask, “Ready to go home, my mischievous friend?” and peek through the mesh. Those sharp, green eyes blink back at me, and I can’t help but smile. He seems to understand that it’s time to leave the world of flowers and plants behind, just for tonight. “Tomorrow we’ll be back and start all over again,” I tell him, sliding his carrier strap over my shoulder and turning off the lights.