Kindness #AtoZchallenge #amwriting

Jenny was delighted when she found a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting in a lovely glass vase beside the front door awaiting her arrival.  Unlocking the shop door, she picked the vase up and carried it inside with her.  A magnificent vase of tulips, with pinks, reds, purples, yellows even a few orange flowers elegantly displayed.  She looked for a note and found none.

Placing the vase on a table by the front door so everyone could enjoy it’s magnificence, she wondered.  For the third time in as many weeks, someone had popped by early in the morning as she arrived to open shop at 8 am, to leave a gorgeous vase of flowers.

It was a delightful mystery.  A kindness she wanted to express her gratitude for.  Perhaps she’d have to become a PI and question neighbouring shop owners or failing that arrive early.

The following week, two more vases appeared, each containing a different variety of flowers.  She was no closer to finding out who the generous and kind individual was.  It remained an unsolved mystery.  She’d followed up, questioning the other shops nearest but no one had witnessed their arrival.  Since she was no closer to answering the question, she arrived earlier and earlier but was still unable to answer the question.  The days she’s arrived early, there were no flowers.

Obviously whoever was leaving them was as determined to remain a mystery as she was at finding out. So, the following morning, she left a present of her own.  A beautiful handmade card expressing her unending delight.

The following morning an even larger bouquet of flowers was left on the stoop.  Surprised delighted but concerned she pondered the situation.  It could be a client, perhaps a shop owner.  Perhaps it was a friend.

Across the street, standing just inside the stationary store, stood a gentleman watching the perplexed then delighted look flash across her mobile features.  He smiled.  She’d once handed him a coffee as they’d shared a seat.  He’d been down on his luck having lost his job, his apartment and wasn’t sure what the future had in store for him.  Her generosity in that one thoughtful moment buoyed his spirits and he’d renewed his efforts found work, a new apartment and moved.  He simply wanted to reward the thoughtful consideration that moved a stranger to offer him a moment of her time, a welcomed coffee and a few heartfelt but kind words.

A mystery was good for the soul.  He again smiled as he wandered away.