Black And White

Liam wanted to pick up the best flowers for his wife as an anniversary gift. Though he was a digital native, his wife had always been  moved by flowers. He decided to get them from a nearby florist. The shop had an exquisite, untamed beauty;its white façade swathed with fresh seasonal blooms. The light-filled studio looked like a vintage garden, with a weathered teal door and delicate blossoms. They had all varieties, from minimalistic earthy arrangements to unruly, freshly cut market-style bouquets.

The florist suggested Liam to take a look at the rare exotic blue orchids, as they would make a perfect gift, symbolizing grandeur, luxury, and beauty. Liam’s eyes, however, lingered on a bunch of white lilies. He paused, wondering if they were too simple for an anniversary gift. Perhaps his chance to revive their otherwise black-and-white relationship would slip away once again.

His relationship with his wife, Jenna, had come a long way. From passionate red roses to vibrant yellow and orange peonies during their early days. But, like many couples, things had changed. Jenna was like a sunflower,joyful, radiant, and a morning person. Liam was more like the evening primrose,quiet, unfolding slowly. He had remained loyal to her, sometimes to the extent of losing parts of himself. Their marriage had seen greener pastures, but also its share of darker nights.

There had been evenings when they sat across from each other, words waiting, but never spoken. The silence wasn’t loud, but it stayed,like something unfinished.

The florist then presented a bunch of crochet lilacs, loosely tied with dried leaves. Their soft, woodsy fragrance brought back memories of college camping trips;simpler days and effortless laughter. Liam smiled faintly, but the white lilies still held his attention. Their scent was gentle, not overwhelming, yet distinct enough to be felt.

Often, white is not the obvious choice for an anniversary. But to him, it felt like the color of their relationship,the most mature shade of the spectrum. A color that has known all others, yet remains undisturbed by any.

It struck him that there were no black flowers in the shop. Perhaps because they do not exist. Or perhaps because flowers cannot bloom without light. And yet, relationships are different. They pass through darkness, and still, somehow, find a way to blossom.

Maybe light and darkness, black and white, were never opposites and were only parts of the same whole. It is the human mind that chooses to draw lines between them.

Liam looked at the lilies once more, this time without doubt.

'I’ll take these,'he said.

As the florist wrapped them, the bouquet no longer felt simple.

It felt right.