February Flowers
Mama lovingly massaged her tummy. Two more months to go.’ she consoled herself with a smile. ‘You’ll make a fine woman some day,’ she said to her unborn Lisa, as she picked the gourds of mursik, the traditional sour milk, from the sunshine. Walking back to the house, she stooped short as something in the garden caught her eye She felt her heart skip a beat and a chuckle escape her lips.
‘February Flowers’ she said animatedly. They were a beautiful variety peacefully growing together. She knew of the tulip and the acacia, but a good number of the flowers in the bunch were not in her vocabulary. But since it was February, a time when flowers say a lot, she easily christened them ‘February Flowers’.
Mama sprinted across the garden, gathered the tender flowers all the while chuckling, when she wasn’t humming. She couldn’t resist the orange pumpkin flower to brighten her bouquet. You could feel the excitement from yards away.
She held her new acquisition, no doubt proud of her achievement and within minutes, her living room was transformed by the fragrance of the flowers. She stood back to admire her handiwork. The flowers sat comfortably In their new home; the vase placed proudly at the center of the table. ‘Mama, they are beautiful!’ kicked Lisa, seeming to share in Mama’s excitement.
The language of flowers that has been used widely by writers, artists, and poets around the world spoke in her house. They were saying what she could not put in words. She recollected a study that agreed with her on the fact that flowers not only boost ones mood but make them feel more attached to intimacy. And helps them get better faster, even without medication, sometimes.
She went on brooding over little allegations, like: giving someone Acacia flowers tells them you have hidden love or a pure love for them, or that they were simply beautiful.
Aster, symbolizes love and elegance: the pink carnation means I will never forget…’, and the Tulip says, ‘there’s sunshine in your smile.’
This must have greatly inspired Mama for the tiredness suddenly took a backseat. She hummed happily as she sorted the rice, sliced the onions and diced the tomatoes, half of which she ate. Oh, cravings! She crushed the garlic and chopped the purple cabbage. Finally, she grated the carrots and sliced the capsicum. ‘How colorful!’ she thought, throwing a glance at the flowers. as she continued preparing her husband’s favorite meal. He loved beef fried with lots of colorful flavorings, served with coconut rice and garnished with cabbage. She looked at the flowers to get more ideas.
Darkness was falling. She closed the windows, drew the curtains and set the table. The aroma flattered her efforts. She smiled. I have every reason to smile,’ she said aloud, rubbing her tummy.
We truly do, honey,’ said cheerful Sam, who had sneaked into the room to savor the aroma. She laughed shyly, a little embarrassed-for she did not know she had company.
And to her surprise, he pulled out a hidden bouquet of ‘February Flowers’ among them an Acacia, some Lilies, Violets, an Aster, some Tulips and some other unfamiliar varieties too!
‘What!’ Mama gasped happily.
He opened a gourd of mursik and toasted: ‘To February Flowers and Love… and our great expectation.’
END:PG29/26-27