A Flower For Forgiveness

Submitted into Contest #86 in response to: Write a story where flowers play a central role.... view prompt

38 comments

Drama Fiction Inspirational

It is such a sunny day outside. I feel the warmth of the sun. The sutal, spring breeze uplifts me. Now, my petals can sway back and forth to wave at my friend. My friend just woke up. Her name is Dawn. She looks tired as if she didn't sleep very well last night. I always assume it is because Dawn is an entrepreneur. She is a poet, a youth author, and an aspiring actress. Dawn loves bringing hope to people. She always makes me smile by welcoming me into her day.




Before Dawn would start her day, she used to say, "Good morning, Daisy!" She then went to the window, where I stood in my flower pot, to sniff me for five seconds. This is how she would hug me and I believed she loved me. I love Dawn. She inspires me to be the best flower I can be. I intend to be that every day I am alive. Yes, my name is Daisy. By now, I think you can tell I'm a flower. 




My job is to bring smiles to people, especially when they are sad. It is definitely not an easy job, but I never have to worry about being fired like humans do. See, us flowers, don't worry so much. Even when Dawn gets too busy that she forgets to water me, I remember I am by the kitchen window. I just move and twist my stem until my pot makes its way to the kitchen sink, so I can turn the faucet on and pour water on me.




When Dawn is away at a meeting or an event, I like to watch the Discovery Channel on television. I can see other plants and animals in nature. I also love waving at the other flowers I see in the window. I love making the mail carriers and people in cars passing by the house smile. It really relaxes me. It makes me feel like I am not alone and I have someone I can lean on. Although Dawn tries to remember to water me and keep me near a window for sunshine, we don't talk anymore. This hurts me to my roots. 




Things have felt so weird these days. Lately, I haven't been able to make Dawn smile. She doesn't smile at all, actually. Dawn used to talk to me all the time, especially about her mom. She would talk to me for hours. Dawn's mother taught her how to plant flowers, water them, and talk to them. Dawn never mentions anything about her mother now. It's like Dawn forgot that talking to me keeps me happy and thriving. 




My petals would perk right up when I saw Dawn walk toward me. Now, I feel such a strong sense of uncertainty. If I see Dawn walking towards me these days, it's usually her wanting to water me or make sure I don't have any dead leaves. I mean those things are important to my survival, but they will never compare to Dawn talking to me and sharing her most intimate thoughts. Those moments were priceless. I want those moments back terribly. I want to know Dawn still cares about me. Deep down, I believe she does. I really hope one day I can hear Dawn talk to me again. 




Today is the day my wish came true! Dawn came home early after a meeting. She just sat in a wooden chair at her kitchen table for a couple of minutes. Finally, Dawn spoke to me. She said, "Daisy, I can't believe my mom thinks I'm too busy for her. She just doesn't understand what I do and what I'm trying to do. I love her so much. I want to be a good daughter." Dawn stops talking and stares at me for a second. She smiles at me.




All of a sudden, Dawn picks me up and we get in her car. We drive for about fifteen minutes, until Dawn parks and turns her car off. She opens the car door on her side and picks me up again. I am so confused right now and nervous to see what is going to happen next. Then, Dawn rings a doorbell to a house I've never seen before. An older woman opens up the door with a very shocking look on her face. For a few seconds, no one says anything. 




Dawn decides to speak first. She says, "Hi, mom. I wanted to bring my flower, Daisy to you. I have had this flower for a while now. I remember what you taught me and I wanted to show it to you. I miss you, Mom. I'm sorry for everything. I hope one day you can forgive me." Dawn is about to walk away, but then Dawn's mom takes me out of Dawn's hand. She sits me on the couch on her porch. I start to get really concerned about what Dawn's mother is about to do.




To my amazement, she hugs Dawn. She tells Dawn how much she loves her and that Dawn will always be her baby. The two hug and talk for a while, until Dawn finally picks me up. We head back to Dawn's car and she shares with me the impact I made. She says, "Today, you were more than a flower. You were the bridge that brought me and my mom back together. I will forever be grateful for you, Daisy."




I could not believe Dawn's words to me. I always thought my job description was one basic thing. Today, I discovered that I am more than a flower who puts smiles on people's faces. I help bring people together. Whether you are a flower or a human, do not put limitations on yourself. We all can do more and be so much more. I am Daisy. I am a flower. I can do more than stand and look pretty. I am more than something to sniff. I have a purpose in this world. You have a purpose, too. 


March 24, 2021 12:58

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38 comments

Lakesha Thomas
16:51 Mar 28, 2021

This is a beautiful story. It kept me interested until the end. I love it! Keep inspiring Traci!

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Traci Neal
21:14 Mar 29, 2021

Thank you. I'm so glad the story kept you interested until the end. I will definitely keep inspiring.

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Lyn Conner
16:45 Mar 28, 2021

Love it, kept me captivated so I wanted to know what happens in the end... it’s like you’re right there seeing the entire story unfold...

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Traci Neal
21:16 Mar 29, 2021

Thank you so much! I'm glad the story kept you captivated and you saw the imagery of what I wanted to convey in the story. That is so wonderful to hear.

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