Sunflowers, Strawberries, and You

I wrote this flash fiction piece for an assignment. The prompt was to write a 500 word flash fiction piece about a flower and a food. I chose Sunflowers and Strawberries. Here’s how it turned out:

     I have always had a strange obsession with sunflowers. The way they face the sun when the light is shining on them and the ground is warming up their roots. I found a strange sense of comfort in the bright colors bouncing off of their petals and stems. I love the happiness that they represent.

     I have always felt this way about strawberries as well. There is nothing better than sitting in a field of sunflowers with a basket of strawberries. Sometimes I will bring a book, but on this special day, I brought a canvas and watercolor paints. That’s how I met you. I was painting the sunset with strawberry juices dripping down my arms and sunflowers surrounding me. You were always such a curious woman. You told me that you also came out here to watch the sunset. You were sitting under a tree, a glass of sweet tea in hand, when you looked over and saw me. I hadn’t even noticed you until you were standing above me, watching me paint. But I’m glad you saw me. So, so glad.

     That’s where it all began. In a field of sunflowers. All my life, I have been reading books about finding love in a cafe. But I think our love story is so much better. My dress fluttering in the wind with your voice dancing through my hair. You were so beautiful. I can still hear your thick country accent and your melodious laugh. God, you were so beautiful. Every sunset in the world could never compare to your brown eyes and your freckles and your smile. I’ve never met someone as kind and caring as you. 

     Do you remember the first thing you ever said to me? I do. You asked me if I was okay. I thought that was so strange of you to ask. You were the one wandering around barefoot in a field with flowers in your hair and a jar full of watered down tea. But you were concerned for me. That never changed. Our love story was short but it was beautiful. I’ve never fallen in love with someone as fast as I fell in love with you. We moved in together that winter. It was nearly twenty degrees out but you still had flowers in your hair and an iced sweet tea. You brought me strawberries and sunflowers every Wednesday night because you thought that the weekend romance was cliche. You were so interesting in everything you did. 

     I wish you would’ve told me you were sick sooner. I wish I would’ve held you tighter and kissed you longer. I wish I had spent more time memorizing every crook and crevice of you. Everyone told me that this would be the hardest day yet. But they’re wrong. Every day is going to be the hardest day. I promise to never forget you. I’m really not sure I’ll be able to move on from an epic love like yours. The hardest thing I will ever have to do is wake up everyday knowing that your hair is not tangled with mine. I will have to roll over in my bed and know that you won’t be there to grab my hand and place it over you. I will never stop loving you. I had gotten so used to our routine and your company that I forgot that it would one day end. I never thought it would be this soon, though. I just wish I could have one more Wednesday night filled with your smile, sunflowers, and strawberries.  Rest in peace, my love. 

Author: Brianna Cox

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

One thought on “Sunflowers, Strawberries, and You”

  1. I love how romantic it sounds. I always find that you write so romantically and you get me in my feels every time! Such a talented writer, wow…we stan!!

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