“Hey, you wont believe this story So, this little lad, Oliver, comes up to me in the flower shop, looking all nervous. Sir, he says, its my mums birthday today I wanna buy her flowers, but I dont have enough money. Well, I bought him the bouquet. And later, when I went to the gravesite, guess what? There it wasthe same bouquet.
Oliver wasnt even five when his world fell apart. His mum was gone. He just stood there in the corner of the room, confusedwhy was the house full of strangers? Why was everyone so quiet, whispering, avoiding his eyes? He didnt get why they kept saying, Stay strong, mate, like hed lost something. But he hadnt lost hershe just wasnt there.
His dad, James, was distant all day, sitting by himself, empty. Oliver went up to the coffin and stared at his mum. She didnt look like herselfno warmth, no smile, no bedtime stories. Just pale, cold. It scared him, and he backed away.
After that, everything turned grey. Two years later, his dad remarried. The new wife, Margaret, wasnt exactly warm. She nagged about everything, always finding fault. And James? He never stood up for Oliver. Never said a word.
Every day, Oliver carried this ache insidemissing his mum, wishing he could go back.
Then came her birthday. Oliver woke up determinedhe had to see her. Bring flowers. White lilies, her favourite. He remembered them in old photos, bright next to her smile.
But he had no money. So he asked his dad.
Dad, can I have a few quid? I really need it
Before he could explain, Margaret stormed in. Oh, here we go! Always asking for money! Dyou know how hard your dad works?
James finally spoke up. Marg, let him finish. Ollie, what dyou need?
Flowers for Mum. White lilies. Its her birthday today
Margaret scoffed. Flowers? Ridiculous! Pluck some from the gardenthatll do!
Theyre not there, Oliver said quietly. Only in the shop.
James just sighed and went back to his paper. Oliver knewno money was coming.
He dug out his old piggy bank, counted the coins. Not much, but maybe enough? He bolted to the flower shop, saw the lilies in the windowso white, so perfect. He took a deep breath and went in.
The shopkeeper eyed him. What dyou want? We dont sell sweets here.
I I wanna buy lilies. How much?
She named the price. Oliver emptied his pocketsbarely half.
Please, he begged. Ill work for it! Sweep floors, anything Just let me have the flowers today.
She rolled her eyes. Think Im made of money? Clear off, or Ill call the cops!
Oliver didnt budge. Ill pay it back! I swear!
Oh, listen to this! she shouted, drawing stares. Where are your parents? Should I call social services?
Thats when I stepped in. Couldnt stand it. Whyre you shouting at a kid? I asked.
She scowled. None of your business!
I turned to Oliver. Hey, mate. Im Edward. Whats going on?
He wiped his tears. Wanted to buy lilies for Mum. She loved em. But shes gone. Todays her birthday
My heart sank. Your mumd be proud of you, lad. Then I told the shopkeeper, Give him the lilies. Ill take two bunchesone for him, one for me.
Oliver pointed to the white liliessame ones Id picked for my Emily. Funny coincidence.
He left clutching his bouquet, then turned back. Mr Edward can I give you my number? Ill pay you back.
I laughed. No need. Todays special for me too. My Emily loved these flowers.
For a second, I got lost in thought.
Emily and I grew up neighbours. Met when some lads were giving her griefI stepped in, got a black eye, but it was worth it. We were inseparable. Everyone said we were meant to be.
Then I got drafted. Before I left, we spent one night together.
While I was away, I took a hit to the headwoke up with no memory. Didnt even know my name. Emily tried calling, but I couldnt answer. She thought Id left her. Changed her number, moved on.
When my memory returned, I calledno answer. Later, I found out my parents had lied, told her Id walked away.
I came back with lilies, ready to surprise heronly to see her with another bloke, pregnant. I couldnt face it. Left town that night.
Eight years passed. I couldnt shake the emptiness, so I came back to find her. And thats when I met Oliver.
Oliver wait! I called as he headed for the bus. Need a lift?
Nah, Im alright. Know the way.
He hugged the flowers tight and ran off. Something about him felt familiar.
I went to Emilys old place. An elderly neighbour told me the worst: Shes gone, love. Three years now.
My legs nearly gave way. What?
Married that bloke, Thomas. Had a son. Then well. Thats all I know.
My head spun. pregnant when she married him? That boycould he be mine?
I sprinted to the cemetery. Found her graveand there, fresh white lilies. Just like Olivers.
Oliver I whispered. Youre my son.
I looked at Emilys photo. Im so sorry.
Then I ran. Had to find him.
Back at his house, Oliver was on the swings. His stepmum had yelled at him, so hed stormed out. I sat beside him, pulled him close.
Then Thomas came out. He recognised me straight off. Edward knew youd turn up someday. You realise hes yours?
I nodded. Im taking him home.
Thomas sighed. If he wants to go, I wont stop you. Emily always loved you. Before she passed, she wanted to find you. Tell you about your son.
I couldnt speak. Just held Olivers hand. Lets go, mate.
Oliver looked up at me. Knew Thomas wasnt my real dad. Mum talked about you. Said one day wed meet.
I picked him up, hugged him tight. Im sorry it took so long. Im not leaving you again.
And thats it. Thats how I found my boy.”
