#;carnation

               "What about carnations? Those symbolize devotion, love;                          I'm sure she'll enjoy them."

A gentle smile was given to the customer in front of the counter as they nodded enthusiastically at the suggestion, and Marco quickly jotted down a few notes before handing over a receipt and allowing the customer to check it over. This was how he spent his days-arranging bouquets for locals that were not only beautiful, but had meaning behind them, too. Whether the arrangement be for a friend, loved one, or maybe someone special, Marco guaranteed that when they received the flowers, they would be overjoyed. That's the effect that plants had on others-no matter what the occasion, a bouquet was always appreciated.

At first glance, one could say twenty five year old Marco had it all-a steady business, a simple-one bedroom apartment that was just the right size for one person to live in, and an active social life. He was happy with how things were going, and glad to see that all his hard work studying botany in college had paid off. This was his life-creating masterpieces that would most likely be the center of attention in any living room, and having fun while he was at it.

But, deep down, nobody could have imagined just how dark his college life truly had been.  Still, that was in the past, and Marco preferred to look forward to the future rather than dwell on things.

Once he had rung up his customer and they were out the door, in came his girlfriend of a year and a half, Sasha Blouse. She had made it a habit of stopping by the store on her way home from her own job at the local grocery store, and Marco was always happy to see a friendly face. "Hi, dear." He greeted, rested his arms on the glass counter in a more casual matter. "How was your--" Just before he could ask his significant other how her day had been, the phone in the back of the shop interrupted him. "--hold that thought."