THE CHILD CALLED FLOWER

CHAPTER 2

It was a new day in the Brown family. Mornings always came with calm yet noises, sounds, pot, someone raising their voice , footsteps everywhere. But on this particular morning, something different had happened, different from what Lilly was used to. Maybe it was the presence of Rose in the house or that of Adam's, or it was because Adam had spoken up, possibly it was the tiny flames of hope she had taken to bed.

Whatever it was, she woke up earlier as usual, quietly and quickly dressed for school, and walked on her toes to the kitchen to warm her leftover food.

Mrs. Brown was already there, pounding pepper with angry movements.

Lilly stopped at the door, stood there few minutes before the words came out,

Good morning, Mom.

Mrs. Brown didn’t look up at her. “ Hmm she said You’re suddenly greeting me now.

Lilly swallowed her fear. I.. just wanted to warm my food before I head to school. Hmm, that's all you know Mrs brown fired back angrily,

You should have warmed it before now, her mother snapped. Always slow. Always behind, always acting weak

Just within seconds, the warmth Lilly woke up to cracked a little.

Before her mother could say more, A footsteps approaching the kitchen startled Lilly, it was Rose Goodmorning... Flower

Mom, Rose said calmly and coolly, you need to stop speaking to her in that tone. She hasn’t done anything wrong by coming into the kitchen at this time.

Mrs. Brown hissed. You went to school now you're here talking back to me? Okay. Keep it up since respect was left at your school

Lilly looked between them, panicking. She didn’t want them arguing because of her.

Rose, she called out, it’s fine, she murmured. NO, it's not, Rose whispered back.

But she didn’t push further. She walked past them, picked up the pot, warmed the food herself, and placed the plate gently in front of Lilly.

Eat, Flower she said softly. You’ll need all your strength today.

Lilly managed a smile.

Strength, she taught, but she loved the sound of it.

School wasn’t better than home for Lilly. She was calm and quiet, too quiet. The kind of child bullies take notice of because she doesn't fight back.

But today, she sat straighter in her seat.

Flower! someone whispered from across the classroom. It was Margaret, the only girl, who tried to talk to her from time to time.

Lilly turned. Good morning.

You look different today, Margaret said. Did something happen?

Lilly smiled. How could she explain that she felt different because her siblings had finally stood up for her?

Before Margaret could ask more, the classroom door burst open. Mrs George, their English teacher, strode in.

Everyone, settle down, she said. Today we start our term project. My Life, My Story.

Lilly’s stomach tightened and her heart ached again.

A story about my life? her mind troubled

What would she even write?

Did she cry at night? That she had tried her best to be invisible? That she tried to be quiet, not making a sound, so no one would notice her?

That she lived in a house that wasn’t her home?

As if sensing her fear, Margaret nudged her.

Write something beautiful, she whispered. Like how you see the world. You’re good at that.

Lilly blinked.

After school, Lilly walked home slowly, thinking of what her story would be about. Rose’s words echoed in her mind,

You’re not invisible.

Halfway home, she heard a familiar voice from behind her, it was Adrian

Hey, you, think you can run away from me because Rose is around? And Adam spoke up for you,

Lilly froze in place.

He closed the distance between them, anger in his eyes.

You think you’re special, right? he hissed. Now you’ve made everyone talk to me like I’m the bad guy in this house.

, I didn’t, you didn't what

You did, you lazy, slow thing.

He shoved her shoulder lightly, testing her fear. She stumbled but didn’t fall.

Something in her chest trembled… but this time, it wasn’t only fear. It was Hurt and A small fire.

Adrian, she whispered, I didn’t tell anyone anything, they saw right through you

For a moment, her honesty caught him off guard. His expression softened slightly but only for a second.

Then he scoffed.

You’re still weak, he muttered, turning away.

Lilly’s knees were weak as she walked the rest of the way home.

When she reached the compound, Adam was outside, washing his car.

Flower! he called smiling Come here.

She walked over, quieter than usual.

He studied her face. Adrian bothered you again?

She hesitated… then nodded once.

Adam sighed, then said, Not to worry, Flower, I’ll speak to him again.

Lilly shook her head quickly, Please don’t. He’ll be angrier and hurt me more

Adam frowned. Then I’ll teach you something instead,

She looked up. What?

How to stand like someone who deserves to be seen.

Lilly stared at him, confused.

Adam laughed. It means confidence. The way you walk, the way you talk, how people should treat you, how you present yourself. You don’t need to be loud, just need to be sure of yourself,

Carrying yourself with grace.

He stood up and demonstrated how to stand tall and walk straight.

Try it, he said

Lilly mimicked him awkwardly,

Laughing, he corrected her posture gently. There you go, see?

You look like a whole different girl.

For the first time that day, Lilly smiled shyly but was genuinely happy.

That evening, the house was strangely quiet.

Adam and his wife sat in the sitting room.

Rose was helping in the kitchen.

Adrian locked himself in his room.

Mrs. Brown moved around with a heavy expression, clearly irritated by the new energy in her home an energy she could not fully control.

When Lilly passed by the dining table, Mrs. Brown called her.

Come here. Her voice echoes around the house

Lilly paused, heart skipped.

Why did Adam say you were scared yesterday? Her mother asked sharply. Do I look like someone who scares children?

Lilly’s throat tightened. Fear running through her, but she didn’t answer, she was too stunned to speak

Mrs. Brown raised her voice. Speak right now! Do I scare you?

But Lilly couldn’t say yes, or no

Rose walked in just in time. Mom, leave her alone! She didn’t do anything!

Mrs. Brown’s face hardened.

So now Lilly has become queen, and everyone is protecting her.

Adam entered as well, hearing the shouting. What’s going on here?

Mrs. Brown stares at all of them.

This house is changing and I don’t like it. You are the one who had changed Mom, Adam said.

She walked away.

Lilly felt that small flame inside her again.

Something was changing.

Something was shifting in the Brown household.

She just didn’t know it yet, if it was for the better…

Or, for worse, she had made up her mind she was ready to face it.