Sakura's slender fingers delicately trimmed the stem of a velvety red rose. Her eyes, a deep shade of indigo, gazed out the window, lost in thought. The morning sunlight danced across her face, illuminating the faint scars above her left eyebrow.
"Good morning, Sakura!" Natsumi, her best friend and shop assistant, chimed, bursting into the flower shop.
Sakura's reverie shattered, and she forced a smile. "Morning, Natsumi!"
Natsumi's bright pink hair clips and infectious grin always lifted Sakura's mood. She tied on her apron, ready to tackle the day's orders.
"What's the plan for today?" Natsumi asked, surveying the shop.
"Valentine's Day orders, mostly," Sakura replied, expertly arranging a bouquet. "We have a few weddings and anniversaries too."
As they worked, Natsumi noticed Sakura's distant expression. "Hey, you okay? You seem...off."
Sakura's hands paused, and she inhaled deeply. "Just thinking about Mom."
Natsumi's expression softened. "It's been three years, Sakura. You'd think the pain would lessen."
Sakura's eyes clouded. "It does, but sometimes...I wonder what could've been."
Her mother's sudden departure had left Sakura reeling. The divorce, the silence, the unanswered questions – all had taken a toll on her heart.
Natsumi wrapped a comforting arm around Sakura's shoulders. "You're strong, Sakura. You've built this beautiful shop, and people adore you."
Sakura's smile faltered. "People adore the flowers, Natsumi. Not me."
Natsumi's voice took on a gentle tone. "That's not true, Sakura. You're kind, talented, and beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to know you."
Sakura's eyes met Natsumi's, gratitude shining within.
The doorbell above the entrance jingled, signaling the arrival of customers. Sakura's professional mask slipped into place.
"Welcome to Petals and Posies! How can I help you?"
As the day unfolded, Sakura's hands moved with precision, crafting breathtaking arrangements. Her mind, however, wandered to the past, to memories of her parents' laughter and tears.
A young couple entered, hand-in-hand, seeking the perfect bouquet for their anniversary. Sakura listened attentively, offering suggestions, but her thoughts drifted to her own failed relationships.
Why did love always seem to wither and die?
The shop grew quiet, and Natsumi began tidying up. "You know, Sakura, maybe it's time to focus on your own happiness."
Sakura's gaze drifted to the roses, their delicate petals a reminder of love's fragility. "I've tried, Natsumi. But love always seems to hurt me."
Natsumi's voice was gentle. "Not all love is like that, Sakura. Maybe you just need to find the right person to help your heart bloom again."
Sakura's eyes met Natsumi's, a spark of hope flickering within.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the shop, Sakura felt an inexplicable sense of longing. Little did she know, fate was about to bring a change to her life, one that would challenge her fears and awaken her heart.
"Let's close up, Natsumi," Sakura said, smiling. "I think we've earned a break."
Natsumi grinned. "Time for dinner and gossip!"
As they locked the shop, Sakura's thoughts strayed to the unknown, to the possibility of love rekindling in her heart.