revised excerpt from Of a Flower: Chapter 1
in-progress novel written by Kevin Liang
It was a summer evening when it happened.
As the sun began to dip under the ocean of tiled roofs, I moved my garden indoors, carefully arranging the racks into tidy stacks behind the window. Outside, the streets were thinning as citizens retired their activities and disappeared into their bricked havens. Carts and carriages rolled by my shop, the trotting of their horses echoing throughout the narrow avenue.
A few citizens drifted still, presumably on their way back home, or perhaps taking an evening stroll. Most were factory workers, identified by their relatively simple or dirtied attire. Once in a while, men of business walked by. It was a rare occasion, as my shop was located at the edge of town. That evening was one of those exceptions.
Caught up in my work, a man of business greeted me before I was aware of his presence. “Good evening, madam.” I turned around and responded in kind, modestly smiling as I always did. He tipped his hat upon this gesture. I did not recognize the visitor, but nevertheless gave him my full attention.
His stature was immediately recognizable from his suit and top hat. He wore a dark brown vest and a black frock coat, despite the warm weather. A golden chain dangled from one button into his vest pocket. A pocket watch, if I had to guess.
“Business finds you well today?” he inquired with a stern smile and perfect articulation, one with similar resemblance to my father’s. The stranger was perhaps in his forties, with signs of gray in his whiskers.
“It was fair. Pleasantly warm today.”
He raised his eyebrows harmoniously. “Ah! I must admit I am delightedly surprised by your English. You don’t find many proper speakers in these streets.”
I smiled once more. “I am honored to hear that, sir.” I did not say much else, but discreetly continued to inspect the man.
Despite his formality, something felt out of place about the man. I observed him as he stood in awkward silence. His posture was fairly straight; perhaps too straight. His arms were stiffly poised to his sides, hands in his pockets. He had pale skin and wrinkles under his eyes. Noticing this made him look much older.
After some time, he nodded and turned towards the flowers. Perhaps he had expected me to continue.
“Quite an assembly you have.” He hunched over to look at what I had left outside.
I gently laughed. “Thank you. I collected them from the woods just outside of town.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you go by yourself?”
“Yes. It is not very far from my house.”
He straightened himself. “Very brave of you. For a young lady to venture out there. Despite the rumors that have been spreading around.”
I shrugged. “It is natural to me. I lived out there my entire life and they have never bothered me—”
“Ohh, things could very well change soon,” he interjected, voice tensing. It was as if I had spoken the devil’s name. The smile left my face.
“It would be best to watch out for your own sake.” The man paused, quickly glancing around the streets before leaning forward.
“The spirits.”
His voice had become a whisper. I felt a chill as his demeanor progressed. “They may change their mind about letting you live amongst them.”
His grim warning startled me. I tried not to look too frightened, gripping my hands together in front of me.
“I will take heed to that advice.” I managed a timid smile.
His expression suddenly lightened. “Very well.” Straightening once more, he continued to stare down upon me for a few moments before turning to motion at a tray of light blue flowers. “If I may, I would like to purchase a flower before you close up.” Smiling excessively, he added, “For my wife.”
“Ah..” I fumbled. “Of course!”
I served the visitor the single flower and saw him off, then continued my work. Bringing in the last of the flower stand, I collected a basket full of aged flowers, locked the door and retired into the streets, joining the waning stream of citizens.