Chapter 2: Go with the flow
813 Words
After dinner and a shower, I put my gerberas and peonies in the vase on my bedside table.
Having flowers on a bedside table can create a calming and uplifting atmosphere. Their natural beauty and gentle fragrance help reduce stress, improve mood, and even promote better sleep—especially flowers like lavender or jasmine. Flowers also add a touch of elegance and freshness to the room, making the space feel more peaceful and inviting. This simple addition brings a small piece of nature indoors, offering comfort and a subtle boost to emotional well-being.
I was still so happy that I got a gerbera. I took a picture of my flowers and posted it on my socials.
Somehow, I suddenly thought about the boy I had encountered earlier. I couldn’t forget how his eyes looked at me, how his voice sounded so extravagant to me. It was truly the first time I had seen him—or at least, as far as I can remember.
It was the first day of summer and in some way I saw a boy. That thought is really running around my head.
I forced myself to read the book I got as a school end gift from my friend. It was really boring or my mind was just absent, but I still forced myself to read a few chapters.
"I give up, this book is kinda boring", I kind of shouted.
Then I set aside the book and picked a movie to watch tonight.
I watched the movie To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and realized how similar my life is to Lara Jean Covey—before she met Peter Kavinsky.
I’ve always just watched and read about love stories but never truly experienced one myself. I organize everything—from the books on my shelf to the clothes in my cabinet. Nearly every part of my life is structured and in order. I never go with the flow; to me, it just doesn’t feel right.
But today, I forgot to make a to-do list. I forgot to plan my bucket list for the summer. I should’ve done that after I walked Waffles. What happened to me? Sure, I watched my movies—but why did I go with the flow this morning?What was happening to me?
I kept thinking when my mom suddenly knocked on the door. She opened it and asked, “Heather, are you asleep?”
“Not yet, Mom,” I responded.
“Is something going on, baby?” she asked as she sat on my bed.
My mom still calls me “baby” even though I’m older. It’s the cringiest yet most calming word she could ever call me.
“Your auntie said you were curious with a boy. Is that true?”
“There really are no secrets between the two of you,” I said.
“Of course. She’s been my best friend forever—we’re practically sisters who share the same soul. So, tell me, who’s the boy?”
I didn’t know how to tell Mom.
“Uhmm, for starters, Auntie was just exaggerating. I only asked her who ordered the flowers she was arranging,” I said, which was true. “She was the one who accused me of being curious about a boy,” I added, but my voice sounded like I was lying, betraying me with every word.
“Well, really?” Mom’s voice sounded like she knew I was telling a white lie.
“The truth is, I wasn’t able to plan my day because my mind got caught up with the gerbera Auntie gave me—and the boy I encountered while walking Waffles to the park. I promise, it was just an accidental encounter. But now, I can’t stop thinking about the way he looked at me… and the way he sounded. I don’t know why, but—I want to meet him again,” I blurted out all at once, speaking way too fast.
“Relax, my baby. I won’t scold you for having a crush,” my mom assured me. “So you weren’t able to plan anything for your summer? That’s very unlike you.”
“Exactly. I don’t know what’s happening to me,” I replied.
“It’s okay. You know you don’t have to live your life in a perfectly scheduled and organized way, right? Sometimes, you need to explore and learn about life in unexpected ways.”
I hugged my mom tightly. “Thanks for giving my mind an answer,” I whispered.
My mom’s words were exactly what I needed. I might have lived a well-organized and scheduled life, but not anymore. I won’t try to predict my life. I’ll face every moment without knowing exactly what to do. It hurts me to say this—but I’m going to go with the flow.
- Writer
