one day later, i was on my bike, racing to the flower shop.

i was still exhausted, but i couldn't wait any longer.

i had to see her.

my bike landed with a clunk on the cement as i push open the doors, the aroma of all the flowers hitting me like a tidal wave.

all the different colors catch my eye, but there's only one section i need.

the water from the three yellow roses dripped down my wrist as i rushed to the counter.

rodney raised his eyebrows, but quickly added the cost together and looked back at me.

"35.97."

my hands dug into my pockets, desperately searching for the money i had brought.

turns out i didn't have enough.

"35 dollars? are you sure? i'm pretty sure you raised the price since last time i was here."

rodney looked at the roses then back at me, a grim expression on his face. "35.97."

"please, i only have 10 dollars and 32 cents."

"then why don't you get flowers that are more your price? perhaps some tulips?" he suggested, pointing towards the half dead flowers.

i gritted my teeth together and gave one last attempt.

"please, i'm begging you. i need these flowers."

"i'm sorry. if you don't have the money, you don't get the flowers. simple as that."

my expression turned into a scowl as i sulked away, back outside.

i guess i was going to have to be creative.