Aster Flowers

A cup of earl gray tea was smoking in front of me. I just took a sip, but apparently it's still too hot. I postponed drinking it, until my attention was now focused on the road in front of my house.

Right now I'm sitting alone enjoying the bright morning. The sky was so blue, with enough light intensity for vision. Nothing interesting this morning, until a black car stopped in front. I squinted, to sharpen my vision.

A man got out of the car. I really recognized his brown hair which was combed so neatly. He is my fiancé. He comes here almost every week, but this time it wasn't Sunday. His arrival here surprised me. It's still early on a Monday, but he's already coming over to me.

“Good morning, Sya. I've come here to check on you,” said my fiancé, now he was standing in front of me.

“It's not usual for you to come at the start of the day like this, Ndra,” I said, I pulled a small smile at the edge of my lips.

“There is a purpose for me coming here this early in the morning. Don't you remember that today is our two year engagement anniversary?” Hendra said, he reminded me about our engagement's anniversary.

“I don't remember, darling. But thanks to you for reminding me,” I said, now my attention was focused on Hendra who was in front of me.

My eyes narrowed when I noticed there was something he was hiding from me. I could see how his hands were behind his back, I squinted.

“What are you bringing me on our anniversary?” I said, I questioned what gift he was giving me.

I could see a smile on Hendra's lips. A moment later he sat in the chair next to me. Then he gave me a bouquet of flowers, I was stunned for a while. As usual, he gave me purple aster flowers.

“Thank you, darling. Your gift really reminds me of our engagement day last year. But why do you always give me purple aster flowers?” I asked, I was surprised why he always gave me a bouquet of aster flowers even when we were still dating.

Hendra just spread a smile on his lips. There was a sense of pride in his clear brown eyes. I could only let out a long sigh, seeing his childish behavior.

I shook my head, and turned my gaze to my cup of earl gray tea. I tried to sip it which was probably a bit colder by now. The taste of earl gray tea is so warming, it makes my mind a little calmer this morning. While my attention was focused on Hendra at the moment, I put my cup of tea back on the table.

“Yes, purple aster flowers have a special meaning. You're the only one who doesn't know the meaning of this beautiful flower,” Hendra said, he didn't fade the smile on his lips when he talked to me.

“So, darling. Just tell me, what does it mean? Does the mean as beautiful as a rose, you always give me this flower,” I asked, I didn't want to drag out the conversation with Hendra.

“It means as special as your presence in my life. I really appreciate you as my spouse, more than love. My feelings are very sincere to give to you,” Hendra said, he gave me a simple answer.

The answer that came from Hendra's lips sounded so light. So simple, but somehow it impressed me so much. Hendra explained in a simple way, but made me amazed by him.

“I don't know if there is anything more than love in this world. Intimate relationships are always associated with love. But you're different, you always make me feel special,” I said, I praised Hendra for the way he expressed his feelings for me.

Hendra just widened his smile. His brown eyes sparkled brightly. As if showing his joy at the moment. He is the most innocent man I have ever met in my life. His behavior was so genuine and pure that it made him seem more like a child.

I lowered my gaze downwards, trying to control my feelings. Otherwise, this splash of flavor will make my heart pound.

“But, I love red roses, darling. A red rose that is so bold to express love and passion for me,” I said, I straightened my gaze again to look at Hendra.

“No, no. Red roses are too common to express love. One day, you will know how precious you are to me. You'll start to appreciate the purple aster flowers I gave you,” Hendra said, his smile now faded from his lips.

I was stunned for a while. At this moment, Hendra's eyes changed. I could clearly see how serious he was this time. I swallowed hard, as if I was worried that I would make a mistake in his eyes.

“Well, whatever. Thank you for the bouquet of purple aster flowers. I like it very much. So, have you eaten this morning, darling?” I said, I asked how he had eaten or not this time.

“Want to eat with me? But not here, we can eat out,” Hendra said, he replied to my words.

“No, I think it's better if we just eat at home. I have two slices of bread for both of us. Would you like to add lemon jam to your bread?” I said, I refused Hendra's invitation to eat out.

“Whatever you say. You are always difficult to manage, Asya. Luckily, I love you. If not, maybe I will leave you,” Hendra said, he told that while taking a deep breath.

“You will never leave me, Ndra,” I said, I responded to his words.

I immediately took a piece of bread and a jar of lemon jam. Then I spread lemon jam on a piece of bread. I then served it on a plate to hand over to Hendra.

“Eat it, darling. I've made this for you,” I said, I directed my gaze at Hendra.

“Eat it, darling. I've made this for you,” I said, I directed my gaze at Hendra.

In my eyes, I could see how Hendra avoided the bread I gave him. Somehow, he really doesn't like lemon jam as an accompaniment to his white bread.

“Darling, don't refuse what I give you,” I said.