15-05-2021-052358It-Ends-with-Us

“Okay,” I say. “What if, instead of showcasing the sweet side of
flowers, we showcased the villainous side? Instead of pink accents, we
use darker colors, like a deep purple or even black. And instead of
just spring and life, we also celebrate winter and death.”
Allysa’s eyes are wide. “But... what if someone wants pink flowers,
though?”
“Well, we’ll still give them what they want, of course. But we’ll also
give them what they don’t know they want.”
She scratches her cheek. “So you’re thinking black flowers?” She
looks concerned, and I don’t blame her. She’s only seeing the darkest
side of my vision. I take a seat at the table again and try to get her on
board.
“Someone once told me that there is no such thing as bad people.
We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things. That stuck with
me, because it’s so true. We’ve all got a little bit of good and evil in us.
I want to make that our theme. Instead of painting the walls a putrid
sweet color, we paint them dark purple with black accents. And
instead of only putting out the usual pastel displays of flowers in
boring crystal vases that make people think of life, we go edgy. Brave
and bold. We put out displays of darker flowers wrapped in things like
leather or silver chains. And rather than put them in crystal vases,
we’ll stick them in black onyx or... I don’t know... purple velvet
vases lined with silver studs. The ideas are endless.” I stand up again.
“There are floral shops on every corner for people who love flowers.
But what floral shop caters to all the people who hate flowers?”
Allysa shakes her head. “None of them,” she whispers.
“Exactly. None of them.”
We stare at each other for a moment, and then I can’t take it
another second. I’m bursting with excitement and I just start laughing
like a giddy child. Allysa starts laughing, too, and she jumps up and
hugs me. “Lily, it’s so twisted, it’s brilliant!”
“I know!” I’m full of renewed energy. “I need a desk so I can sit
down and make a business plan! But my future office is full of old
vegetable crates!”
She walks toward the back of the store. “Well, let’s get them out of
there and go buy you a desk!”