Since I generally take the 6:15 train back, I’m shocked at how much less crowded the train is an hour before that. The lack of people makes the twenty-minute ride back feel even faster than usual. The sun is still bright in the sky and despite the depressing day in the office, I feel the heaviness lifting a little.
Instead of going straight back home, I stop by a flower shop on the way. I need a pick-me-up. I frown at the roses and keep my eyes away from lilacs, a word I now only hear in Theron’s voice. Calla lilies are expensive. There’s a beautiful selection of wildflowers at the back—fifteen dollars for the whole bunch. I’m about to pick it up when I notice a dainty bunch of lavender at the back. It’s a thin arrangement and feels a couple of days old, if not more. It looks sad and aban
