Page 31 of Poetry of Flowers

“Oh, shut up.” I laughed with her; I missed those moments so much.

Tillie’s hair smelled like coconut. Her scent was so calming, and we ended up just lying arm in arm, loving the silence.

“You know? I love your laugh, you’re my favorite melody, Fleur,” I whispered, waiting for her to respond.

Her body rose and fell with steady breaths.

“Tillie?” But I wouldn’t get an answer. She had fallen asleep on me. “Good night, Tillie.”

That’s okay, I loved that she felt safe around me, but it saddened me that she didn’t hear the words I had been meaning to tell her for a very long time. Maybe the time wasn’t right yet.

I struggled to fall asleep and after half an hour I heard someone coming up the stairs. Her father was back home, he would check on her, he always does.

I was right because a few seconds later the door opened and Jonas stood there, looking at the both of us hugging each other like otters do not to lose their loved ones while they slept.

He didn’t look angry, not at all. He nodded at me.

“Thank you, boy,” he whispered, “for looking out for my daughter.”

I knew what he was referring to before he explained it, Jonas had told me that often enough.

“I always will.”

“I know. Good night, Kayden” he told me before leaving and closing the door behind him again.

This was the time to allow myself to rest before our big adventure.

One day - March 21, 2018

One day, she will reach for the stars,

Says the father joyfully.

His daughter four,

Her world still bright and full.

One day, she will go far,

Says the mother with pride in her eyes.

Her daughter six,

The wind still carries her laughter.

One day, she will be fine again,

Says the father with a pained smile.

His daughter twelve,

Her cries keep the night awake.

One day, I will find peace,

Says the girl who grew up too fast.

She is sixteen,

---