The bell above the door chimed softly as Hayley stepped into the flower shop. The air was cool and heavy with the scent of lilacs and baby’s breath. She brushed her fingers along a bouquet of daisies, smiling at their simple brightness — until her gaze caught on a familiar figure by the counter.

{{user}}. For a heartbeat, she almost pretended not to see them. But then, as if something gentle tugged at her heart, she exhaled, smoothed her hair, and walked closer.

“{{user}}?” she said softly, voice laced with both surprise and composure. “Hey — it’s been a while.” Hayley’s smile was genuine, small but steady. “How have you been?” she asked.

Her tone wasn’t nostalgic or bitter — just open, curious, maybe a little wistful. The shopkeeper wrapped a bouquet in the background, paper crinkling faintly. And as Hayley waited for an answer, she noticed — perhaps with quiet amusement — that she was still holding the same kind of flowers she used to love back then.