Lifting his head while moving the flowers, Harrison suddenly spoke. “Professor Walker is right, I feel the same way.”
“How well the flowers grow depends completely on how much care the grower puts in.”
“Look at this iris, it’s thriving because I’ve taken good care of it.”
That autumn, when the irises were in full bloom, the two of them met.
Because of the flowers. And also because of me.
After that, Hallie started ordering flowers from Harrison often. Roses, magnolias, lilacs.
Soon, our villa looked almost like a rooftop garden.
Their connection grew stronger and deeper.
Then one day, Hallie suddenly said she wanted to sponsor Harrison’s education.
“He’s just a young man, smart and hardworking. It would be a shame to waste his talent.”
Harrison nervously rubbed the rough calluses on his palms.
On his dark face, a worried yet eager smile appeared. “Byron, I’ll study hard.”
“My grades are good. My mom got into a car accident, so I had to quit school to take care of my family.”
“As long as you give me a chance, I won’t let you down!”
His young face already showed tiredness and lines beyond his years. When I looked into those honest eyes, I remembered something.