His Roses

Chapter 1

"Excuse me, sir and ma'am, your order is here," I said softly with a smile as I gently placed their drinks on the table, one by one. I even saw the woman let go of the man's hand just to get her coffee, then placed it in front of her before smiling at me and saying thank you.

When I returned to the counter, I glanced again at the couple I had just served. I saw the man look at me and nod. I nodded back, then quickly picked up the covered plate and walked carefully behind the woman, joined by my co-workers who were holding a banner.

We positioned ourselves where the woman could clearly see us and just waited for the man's signal. I saw him take her hand and say something that left her speechless. He gently stood her up and knelt in front of her.

The woman started crying, covering her mouth with her hand. Her tears wouldn't stop, and the man looked at her like he, too, was about to cry. Then, he opened a small red velvet box and inside was a sparkling diamond ring. The woman looked behind him and saw the banner we made that read, "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

Tears continued falling from her eyes as she looked down at the man still kneeling before her, holding up the ring. Everyone inside the coffee shop turned their attention to the scene-some smiling warmly, others pulling out their phones to record the beautiful moment.

"Yes... of course, love, I will marry you!" she exclaimed. The man slipped the ring onto her trembling finger, then stood up and embraced her tightly. Applause and cheers filled the room. The man held her face gently, wiping away her tears, and kissed her on the lips.

I quickly placed the plate in front of them, on it a small cake with the words: "Congratulations to the Newly Engaged."

They sat back down, and Sierra came over to give the woman a bouquet of tulips.

The proposal ended and everyone slowly went back to their tasks.

But me? I was lost in a daydream-imagining I was the one in her place.

What must that woman be feeling right now? I want to feel it too...

To have someone hold your hand without saying a word.

To be kissed softly, lovingly on the lips.

To have your tears wiped away, then be wrapped in a tight embrace...

To be looked at like you're the only one in the world,

While silence surrounds you and your heart quietly screams, "When will it be me?"

To rest your weary heart on someone's shoulder,

And for once, feel safe-even just for a moment.

To hear their voice filled with care,

And feel hands that aren't afraid to hold you through the storms.

To fall-and be caught.

Not just in words, but in action too.

What does it feel like to be loved-

The kind you don't have to beg for or force?

The kind that enters your life like a whispered prayer,

And chooses to love even the broken, quiet parts of you?

I just want to feel it...

The kind of love you don't need to hide.

The love that's quiet-but real.

The love that's not just in your head-but standing right beside you.

"There she goes again..."

"Elira!"

Reality snapped back as I heard my name. I turned to see Sierra-my best friend and co-worker-watching me, along with a few of our other colleagues. Some looked worried, some amused, some a little sympathetic. I shook my head to snap out of my daydream and gave them a smile.

"Let's get back to work," Sierra said, already starting to make a new cup of coffee. I gave one last glance to the newly engaged couple, now walking out of the shop hand in hand, laughing and talking happily.

I sighed. All I could do was envy them.

I went back to work and forced myself to focus.

Every week, something new happens at our coffee-s***h-flower shop. It's big-because we sell both flowers and coffee. Our boss built it that way in memory of his late wife. It's a long story, but he said their love story began in a coffee shop, where he first met her carrying a bunch of flowers. She walked in, and everything started from there-until they got married. Sadly, his wife later passed away due to cancer.

Her final wish was for him to build a coffee shop that also sold flowers. And so, he did.

She even saw it before she passed. The very next day, she left for the light.

Now, our boss still hasn't moved on. He remains loyal to her, even if she's gone.

And that... that's what amazed me about their kind of love.

It's why I still believe in it-even if it's rare and hard to find.

"Here's your order, ma'am. Thank you and come again!" I said with a smile, then leaned back on the counter, waiting for the next customer. My other co-workers were busy cleaning tables while Sierra was carefully crafting a rose bouquet.

The day passed, and when my shift ended, I quickly changed into my casual clothes.

"Bye Sierra! Bye Elira!" one of our co-workers waved. I turned to the door to lock it behind us. After making sure everything was good, Sierra and I walked out together since we lived in the same apartment building.

"I don't know why, but I feel really happy today," Sierra said as we walked. "Like... this whole day was a success." She smiled at me, then looked ahead again.

I nodded in agreement as we kept walking.

It was a cold Wednesday night, and I was glad I brought an extra jacket. I get cold so easily. The streets were still wet from the earlier rain. It had poured hard earlier-but thankfully, it didn't flood outside the shop.

I looked at Sierra, who was still smiling.

"Do I even need to ask why you're so happy?" I teased with a small grin.

"I'm just happy... for people who've found the one meant for them."

Simple words-but they hit straight to the heart.

"I hope it's our turn someday too..."

I whispered into the night wind.