The Most Beautiful Flower of All

by Nicola
(South Australia)

Sophie put on her floral dress; she always wore a floral dress to the markets in spring time. It just seemed right when the sun was shining.

Sophie loved flowers, she loved the colours, the shapes the perfumes. Mother Nature's never ending variety. It was perfect. She wished she had a garden, but living in a sixth floor city apartment, that pleasure was denied.

She set about her shopping and soon her basket was filled with fruits and vegetables. She paused by the flower stall, wistfully inhaling their heady aromas. She counted her change. Sadly, there wasn't enough to buy a bunch for her kitchen table this week.

"Hi Sophie. What would you like this week?" Fred the flower seller smiled warmly at her.

"Oh, I'll have to give it a miss this week Fred. Too many bills to pay."

He looked at her, turned around and plucked a perfect white rose from behind him.

"We can't have that Sophie." He held it out to her, "A perfect flower for the most beautiful flower of all." She flushed, but gratefully accepted. Fred made time for her every week. They shared a love of flowers, and she had often wished she had the courage to invite him out for coffee or something.

"Thank you, Fred. I'll be back next week."

As she walked into her apartment building, she had to manoeuvre around a tall scaffold by the entrance. Although her flat was small, it afforded a beautiful view across the parklands, and she thanked her lucky stars that she had a landlord who regularly paid for window cleaners.

With her shopping now unpacked, she poured herself a glass of juice and opened the sliding door to her small balcony. She stared in amazement. It was filled with boxes of flowers. Pots of all sizes and colours, filled to the brim with the brightest of blooms. A white vase containing a dozen red roses stood on her little outdoor table, a card attached.

"For the most beautiful flower in my heart. Fred"