“Hey are you alright? You sound sad.”

You sighed, not wanting to complain to somebody who worked through much harder days with a persistent smile and no hint of dissatisfaction.

“Yeah. I’m fine. It’s just been a bad day.”

“Aw…I’m sorry. I promise I’ll be there soon.” The two of you said your goodbyes and hung up. He sighed, directing a disgruntled pout at the wall across from him. He wanted to cheer you up, but wasn’t sure how to do so. I’m her boyfriend. I should be able to make her smile on a cloudy day. He took a longer route to your apartment, hopeful that the motely array of shops would sprout an idea in his mind.

Growing impatient, he kicked a pebble on the scuffed sidewalk beneath his feet. It skittered a few meters, stopping only when it clattered against the black frame of a glassy door. His mood brightened as his eyes were drawn to the colorful sign of the florist’s shop. Flowers would make her smile, he thought, and he opened the door with no hesitation.

A cheerful jingle rang above his head, and his nose was greeted by the heavy perfume of every flower imaginable.

“Can I hope you with anything?” The saleswoman was eager to assist; young men were some of her best customers.

“I need flowers?” Mentally he slapped himself in the face. Of course. Why else would I go to a florist?

“May I ask what for?” Overwhelmed by the array of unique plants, your boyfriend nodded.

“My girlfriend…I want to cheer her up.” Quickly, she helped him prepare a sunny and lively bouquet. As he continued his journey to your apartment, he stopped in front of another building. “She loves the muffins from here,” he said to no one in particular. He picked out two, purchasing your favorite drink from the small café as well.

Your boyfriend made a few more little purchases at other favorite shops of yours, finally arriving at your doorstep.

When you answered the door, a pile of bags greeted you, a large bunch of flowers where your boyfriend’s head should be. He stumbled in, removing his shoes and placing the items carefully on your kitchen countertop.

You called his name in a questioning voice. “What’s all this?” He turned to you, a shining smile on his face. He picked up the flowers in both hands, presenting them to you with the enthusiasm of a child.

“These are for you! I also got some of your favorite snacks and that movie you wanted to see and-” You stared at him with slight confusion written on your features.

“But…Why did you buy all this stuff?” He laughed, setting the flowers back on the counter and placing a hand on your head. His long fingers combed carefully through your hair, and he chuckled softly.

“You said your day hadn’t been a very good one. I want to change that.” You wrapped your arms around his waist, resting your head on his chest.

“You’re so good to me.” His hands rubbed your back and he laughed once more.

“Movie time?” You nodded and grinned, following him to the couch.

When the movie finished, you sat up and stretched, lifting your head off of your boyfriend’s chest. You smiled at him, happiness now reflected in your eyes.

“Thank you.” He smiled widely and placed his hand on top of yours.

“Better day?” You nodded, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“Much better.” He turned his head, planting his lips on yours.

“I’m glad to hear it.”