A thank-you flowers

Teacher’s Day morning.

With my eyes, I see off my “school kids,” armed with little bouquets of flowers.
Although Pa, with her big beautiful eyes, tried to convince me that her teachers “asked for them” just to be happier,
I firmly believe that a “thank you” in the form of a flower has never hurt anyone.

So yesterday,
glancing at my “to-do” list—
I check off the line: “thank the teachers.”

Ready to leave the house in two minutes,
I look at the clock and realize I can’t exactly boast about having plenty of time.
I almost give in to the thought of stopping at the first flower kiosk I see.
“Attention matters,” a thought I don’t much like tries to sneak in.

But my hand doesn’t give in to the lazy idea and doesn’t turn the wheel.
I know where they sell flowers with love.
The shop is further than my usual route—
I might have to walk a bit if I can’t find parking.

But.
Calculating the minutes—I take a deep breath.
A little extra time—I can manage.
And I don’t miss.

The smiling florist carefully selects the flower petals:
“Just so they last longer,” she whispers.
With such love, she matches the wrapping paper and packs the little plants Patricija chose for her teachers:
“Just so it looks even better.”

After a pleasant chat with this flower fairy, her smile lighting up the shop, and rejoicing that flowers from here always bloom surprisingly long…
I leave, carrying the flowers, wrapped not only in paper but in love for her work.

I make it everywhere in time.
And this morning, handing them to the children, I admire them once again and think—

Just flowers?
At first glance, yes.
But.

Stronger than the pretty petals, in these little bouquets smells the love of one’s work.
And genuine care.

Heaven knows,
that such feelings exist far beyond your route,
and risk not fitting into your schedule.

Maybe I’ve grown up?
That “quick and easy” loses
to not only the purchased item but also to the feeling that makes your heart flutter.

Morning coffee toast—
to work done with love!

V.