Tall One on the Left (story by Jill inspired by Jennifer's photo)

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Jenn gave me this prompt on July 9, 2021. I thought it would be easy since the last 2 flower pictures she gave me made for some easy writing. But this one sort of stumped me, and I wrote 2 other scenes first that I wasn't particularly satisfied with. And, to be honest, I don't really like this scene all that much either, but for the sake of time... I need to be done with this picture. 


The Tall On on the Left

“Oh, Mommy, I can’t pick. They’re all so lovely!”

“Lovely, huh?” Maura glanced down at her seven-year old daughter, Addiella, who was hopping from foot to foot on the deck beside her mom, tapping her fingertips together in front of her nose. “Well, you have exactly one minute left to make your decision, and then that’s it. Remember? We have to pick your brother up from practice soon.”

“Oooooh, but they’re all so pretty. Can I just have them all?” Addiella smiled up at her mom.

Maura laughed. “That wasn’t the deal, Adds. I said you could cut one flower from the garden. And put it in a bud vase on your nightstand. One it is!”

Addiella stopped moving and stared at the flowers. “In my perfect world, I would choose you all.” She paused, “But I’ll come and visit. I promise.” She held her right hand out and started to circle it, eventually landing in front of the one she wanted, “You. I choose you.” She turned and squinted up at her mom. “This one, Mommy.”

“The tall one on the left. Okay, then. Go on.” Maura handed Addiella the scissors. “Gently cut its stem.”

She watched her daughter take the scissors and slowly pick the exact right spot to cut the flower. “There,” she said. “Oh, you’re so perfect!”

Maura smiled, “You’re the perfect one,” she said quietly. Then a little louder, “You got it?”

Addiella hopped to her feet, “Yep!”

“Let’s go get that beauty a vase.”

“I love you,” Addiella said—Maura assumed that specific adoration was directed at the flower and not at her. She laughed, and they walked inside.


—Jill Morse (written July 29, 2021)


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