chapter 2

As Serenity went into town she looked around at all the shops. She loved to wander through the shops that were selling flowers. Inside, there were wrapped bouquets and hanging plants that spilled over with blossoms. Many of the town shops had windows full of magical toys. She would go inside to see the wooden puppets, miniature tea sets, and walls full of candy. The street markets and local cafés released the enticing aroma of grilled meats, fried potatoes, chocolate, and fresh baked bread. The town had many stray dogs and cats that crept around corners. Serenity could not help but casually pet them. The towns people that had farm animals like cows and sheep were always delighted when she stopped by. Serenity had a way with animals. Towns people would always greet her with bright lovely smiles, kind words.

On this particular day, Serenity strolled to a flower shop that was close to her house. As she walked in she was greeted by the shop owner, William.

   "Hello William" Serenity said as she walked up to the counter.

     "Well hello to you, sweet Serenity". William said.  He was a kind old man that made his living selling flowers. He had the best shop in town. He would sell anything from low cost carnations to expensive cherry blossoms imported from Japan.

"What can I get for you Serenity? Or, should I say, what variety of flowers?" he laughed a little.

 Serenity just smiled and pointed to some pink tulips "I wish to get these for my mother, sir". She took out her money bag. It wasn't very  big but it contained more money than any young girl should need.  She was excited to buy the flowers, and had her cash out to pay for them right away. She didn't even knowing how many she wanted. William waited patiently. Finally, with a hard blink of those lavender eyes, Serenity said the first number that came to her head. "Five tulips".

 Serenity smiled and payed William at least twenty dollars. She never counted it exactly because she always had more than what she needed in her little bag. Her mother, while rarely around, always made sure that the money bag was full. This was mostly to make up for the guilt of neglecting her daughter. The only trouble was, Serenity did not have the heart to spend money on herself. She loved her mother and wanted to give her something beautiful. Serenity already knew that her mother would try not to accept the gift. She might even be angry at he. Serenity walked home, wishing she could come up with the right words for her mother. Each pink tulip was so pretty. Even if mother was angry, Serenity decided, it would be worth having flowers so lovely and fragrant in the house.