The Daffodil

It’s finally the time of year that I get to take a trip above ground and leave the safe haven of my bulb. I work hard to push against the soil, and when I break the surface, the warmth of the sun embraces me. I shoot up through the spring air, and as my bud blooms, my senses are exposed to the world.

I’m intrigued by the elegant lady sitting on the bench directly in front of me. She gives me a slight side smile. Then she looks up at the abbey with a twinkle in her hazel eyes. She runs a hand through her dark hair, and gently sighs. She is rubbing her necklace between her fingers, when a man lopes towards her.

“Alright...Caaaattttthhh?” He points as if to confirm.

“Afternoon.” She nods.

He extends a firm hand, and her spidery fingers cordially accept. He sits himself next to her, and they continue to exchange pleasantries. As he comfortably stretches his arms, a mandala tattoo slips out from under his sleeve, and her eyes linger on it, before he hastily covers it. They look out of place together, him with his arrogant demeanour, gilet and shirt; her with her edgy outfit hanging off her runway-model body. It doesn’t take long for him to steer the conversation towards work.

“Oh, so I’m not in my dream job right now.” She giggles in a slightly childish way. “But I have to say, I meet some interesting characters, and– .”

“Cool, cool, been busy today, my boss has been whippin’ my ass, you know, I love the energy of it though, and it would be hard to turn down the money that I make!” Like an excited puppy he takes a breath, and waits eagerly for his praise.

She raises her eyebrows, almost a little too high. “Yeah, I can imagine, it sounds amazing!"

I’m really enjoying the show, her acting is on point, as she practically beams from ear to ear.

“I don’t know much about trading, but it sounds really exciting-”

He spends a good while longer monologging to her about the stock exchange, and the current rates, and blah blah blah. She reacts with facial expressions that are so perfect, if I had hands, I would give her a round of applause. He eventually stops speaking long enough for her to chime in.

“I know this great place round the corner that does Thai takeout to die for, do you fancy it?”

“Yeah love Thai food. It’s on me! Of course!”

I’m surprised when they leave together, him with his hunched back and long bouncy stride; her little legs walking purposefully trying to keep up.

Over the following weeks, she would meet lots of different men on this bench. She was clearly very open-minded when it came to dating. I couldn’t tell what her type was at all. She would be there about once a week with a new trendy outfit that looked effortless on her. Every time her beauty and charm had the man mesmerised, and almost every time they left together. And being the busybody that I am, I watched intently. It was good entertainment after all. She was able to change the tone of the conversation like a chameleon. Sometimes, it would be idle light-hearted chatter, other times she would feel comfortable expressing vulnerability, speaking about how her law career came to an abrupt end, or how her father left when she was young. The men would frequently let their guard down, and some even spilt their darkest secrets. Sometimes, she would meet the guy two or three times, but that was always the most. It seemed that despite her best efforts, she just couldn’t find the right man. Poor Cath.

Spring was drawing to an end, and I was beginning to wither, my head drooped and my leaves fell off, as I was preparing to retreat back into my bulb.

On one of my last days, she’s sitting on the bench touching up her deep red lipstick. A young man slows down as he spots her. They lock eyes, and exchange smiles. Apprehensively, he sits down at the other end of the bench.

“Hi.” He glances at her and then at his trainers.

“Hey, nice to meet you!”

“You too, I was just admiring the abbey, it's a beautiful structure.” He scratches his beard.

“Yes I like it too! Although I couldn't appreciate it the same way you can. Can you tell me about it?”

“Of course, I’ll try not to bore you to death though.” He smiles kindly.

They continue their animated conversation. Even though she does her usual routine of acting impressed, I think perhaps it’s genuine this time. Because it isn’t long until the conversation turns to more vulnerable topics.

“We have a really tense relationship. It’s the same cycle. She refuses to go to rehab until it gets really bad, and then she comes out, and it always just escalates again.”

“I’m sorry, that must be tough for you.” He’s at a loss for words, but she doesn't seem to mind.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’ve realised if I just keep my distance, then it's a lot healthier for me.” Her wet eyes create a glossy effect making her even more attractive.

“That sounds like a good decision, you don’t have to put up with all that bullshit, you know!”

“It was just all too much when my husband passed. I really needed a bit of support from my mother, but once again she needed me!”

He carefully moves closer, watching her expression attentively, and he hesitates before he places his lanky arm over her shoulder. When they leave together he saunters slightly behind and places his hand gently on the small of her back. I would've liked to see how it played out this time, but sadly it was time for me to retreat to my bulb for another year.

A few months into my hibernation, I'm abruptly awoken by a thudding, and the sound of a commotion above. Before I realise what is happening, I’m being unceremoniously thrown out of the soil.

“We’ve got one! It’s here!”

There’s shuffling, and the second man joined the first, looking into the hole they had just dug.

“I think she must have buried the rest of them here too! I can see another arm there, see!”