Ti flowed by, marking the beginning of a brand new week on the next morning. As the month shifted to the middle, Sports Day would arrive in less than two weeks. Right after the event was Halloween.
Instead of having breakfast at ho, Lariette and Ruediger headed out early to go to the new cafe. They had been frequenting the place, at least dining there once every week.
"Lettie, do you get cold easily? I think you do, but I’m not sure."
Ruediger’s question drifted in the air, reaching Lariette who walked beside him. Their steps slow on the pedestrian walkway amidst the other passersby in a rush, golden leaves crushed beneath their feet.
"Why do you ask?" Lariette grinned, her gaze shifting from Ruediger’s face to their linking hands, "You feel my hand cold, en?"
"A little bit," Ruediger chuckled. He squeezed Lariette’s hand, feeling the chill on her skin, "It’s much colder now. I wonder how it’ll be once winter arrives."
Tilting her chin, Lariette stared at the bright sky of the autumn morning. She humd softly before saying, "Snow usually isn’t too heavy here. Still, the slippery roads can be annoying."
Ruediger laughed upon hearing Lariette’s remark. Glancing at her, he asked teasingly, "Do you have grudges with slipper roads? Ever slipped and fell on your bum?"
"Ahem! I exercise my rights to stay quiet."
"Hehe."
Lariette and Ruediger finally reached the cafe after passing a bustling convenience shop, a quiet bookstore, and a cheerful flower shop. They sat at a table by the window after placing their orders.
Soon, a waiter ca to deliver Ruediger’s hot dark chocolate and Lariette’s hot matcha latte. The other patrons chatted while enjoying their breakfast, their voices echoing alongside the buzzing of the coffee machine.
"Eddy, wait here," Lariette picked up her sling bag while standing up, leaving her backpack, "I need to get sothing at the convenience store. Want anything?"
"Nothing," Ruediger shook his head before adding, "Be careful."
Lariette chuckled, "Hehe, it’s just over there. I’ll be quick."
Ruediger watched Lariette heading out of the cafe and walking in the direction where they ca from. He sat alone at the table, accompanied by the two cups with white steams curling up.
Never would Ruediger notice the cheeky smile on Lariette’s lips once she vanished from his view. Her quick steps led her to another shop instead of the convenience store.
When Lariette returned not long after, she could barely hold back from smiling too widely. She showed two bars of chocolates when Ruediger asked what she got.
"Craving so?" he asked teasingly.
"You can say so," she replied with a shrug.
Once they were done with breakfast, Lariette and Ruediger didn’t stay longer, heading imdiately to the school. Above, the rustling leaves of the rows of trees flad russet. They had changed completely from the vibrant green.
Students, so rubbing their sleepy eyes and so completely energized, walked alongside them as Lariette and Ruediger nearly approached the gate. Their chatters resonated in the morning air.
"See you this evening, Lettie."
Ruediger reluctantly released Lariette’s hand right before they stopped by the gate. Their fingertips grazed for a mont longer.
Lariette quickly said, her tone slightly hurried, "Eddy, you know the flower shop before the cafe, right? Make sure you drop by there before you go ho."
"The flower shop? Why?" Ruediger arched his brows, wondering why Lariette suddenly told him to go there, "Ah, do you want to get more flowers for the apartnt?"
Lariette left the tulips and roses Ruediger got her yesterday on the dining table. He saw her slling them before they left the apartnt this morning which put a smile on his lips.
"Not really. Well, you’ll know why," Lariette chuckled, her eyes glinting with mischief as she waved at him, "Go now, Eddy. Bye bye~ See you this evening."
"Bye. Later, Lettie."
A confused Ruediger nodded. Waving at Lariette, he watched her walk past the gate, her brown locks tousling behind her back. She quickly disappeared among the students.
’The flower shop, huh?’
Ruediger turned around, tracing back the path he had taken with Lariette earlier. A smile never left his lips as he recalled the brief mont they shared just now.
The morning sun stread through the fluttering reddish brown leaves, casting swaying shadows on the cobblestone path. His steps were quick as he wondered which flowers should he get for the apartnt today.
After walking for a few minutes, Ruediger saw the familiar flower shop. A vibrant display of colors painted the storefront, courtesy of the roses, marigolds, dahlias and peonies.
’Asters sound good.’
Ruediger pushed the door open, stepping inside the shop. The doorbell chid softly above as the sweet scent of the petals and dew welcod him.
"Ah! You’re finally here, young man. I’ve been waiting for you!"
The shopkeeper, a friendly elderly woman called Beth, greeted Ruediger from a row of colorful flowers. They were acquainted because of how often he visited the store to get the fresh blooms.
Ruediger raised his brows, "You’re waiting for ?"
"Yes! Co here!"
Ruediger quietly went to where Beth was heading—the paynt counter. The shopkeeper’s action cast another confusion in his mind. He couldn’t help but wonder what she ant by waiting for him.
Once Beth stood behind the counter, she bent down as if to grab sothing. Ruediger blankly stared at her when she brought up a rattan basket of flowers.
The bold hue of red peonies and a striking yellow sunflower were reflected in Ruediger’s erald eyes. The peonies surrounded the single sunflower, the contrast was stark but lively.
"For you, young man," Beth declared, a grin tugging on her lips, "Hehe, your wife ca here just now. She told to give you this when you dropped by."
"She did? When did she..."
Blinking, Ruediger imdiately recalled the short mont when Lariette left the cafe. He was stunned once he imagined her going to the florist to get him flowers secretly.
As the realization sank into his mind, Ruediger’s earlier confusion dissipated. He couldn’t help but stare at the lovely floral arrangent in the basket. His eyes caught the small card lying amid the blooms.
Beth chuckled, her voice softer, "You’re so lucky! n deserve flowers too, but most don’t get even one."
Sensing the swelling of his heart by the sudden rush of joy and warmth, Ruediger drew his lips into a smile. He lifted his hands, slightly shivering as he carefully took the basket from the countertop.
"Yes... I’m indeed lucky. She’s so lovely. My wife is."
More chuckles slipped from Beth’s lips. She refrained from teasing Ruediger as she noticed the sheen in the young man’s eyes. For a mont, she thought how the hues of the peonies almost resembled his crimson locks.
Ruediger thanked Beth before walking out of the flower shop. His heart thumped quickly, almost leaping out of his chest. He still couldn’t believe what had just happened.
’What did she write?’
Ruediger slowly halted his steps. The sunlight stread through the leaves looming above him, casting dappled shadows on him as he slowly picked the card nestled between the flowers.
Her familiar and neat handwriting was engraved on the white card, spelling words that skipped him a heartbeat.
’To our new beginnings. Eddy, I wonder where the road we take will lead us. Anyway, I hope you like the surprise gift! :)’
Ruediger’s eyes saw the simple ’Lettie’ written at the bottom. Blinking, he quietly let those words take refuge in his heart.
Amid the soft hum of the morning and the fluttering leaves, the world felt softer and happier to him.
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