When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“Flowers, Ma’am?” the girl asked with her big round eyes and puffy cheeks. She looked the same age as Audrey, and the clothes she wore were old but still clean, even though there were some random smudges on her face.

I noticed it and quickly took out some tissue, wanting to help her clean it. However, as soon as I reached out, the girl backed away.

She tried to take a huge step back, but kids do not make much distance with those short legs of theirs.

“Don’t be scared,” I told her, trying my best to smile and make myself more approachable. I waved the tissue in my hand to indicate that I meant no harm. “You have something on your nose. Let me wipe that off for you, my dear. Okay?”

The girl was still naive, so she let down her guard in no time and got closer, quietly letting me clean her face without even making a sound.

Seeing what was going on, Emery pulled out a budded flower from the girl’s basket and fiddled it. “It’s a hot day, little girl. Why are you here doing business instead of staying at home? Are you that materialistic?”

a

did not understand what she meant and merely blinked

amazed by her reaction, so I asked,

She’s a pretty lady.” The girl did not even blink

cough up my money

will only cost you two bucks. I won’t be making any profit

give it to me for free?” Emery teased. “You cheeky girl. I bet the supply cost is at most

her head violently. “That’s not true. My flowers are the best and freshest flowers. They usually cost two fifty each, but I figured you won’t have fifty cents, so I

little girl. “Let me educate you on what for free means. It means presenting

the technical terms, but she understood that she was not going to get the flower’s cost. So, her eyes turned red in an instant as she

don’t worry. The lady here is just joking with you. We’ll definitely pay for it.” I comforted the child and pulled Emery in for an apology. “What is wrong with you today? Why are you bullying a little girl? Quick,