THE BROKEN VALENTINE`S GIFT

THE BROKEN VALENTINE`S GIFT

I wanted it to be a surprise

So while she was busy in the kitchen

I crept up from behind.

When I was within reach

I raised the flower vase and called out

“Hi darling!”

She got startled and thrown off balance

As she did so, she leapt towards me and as I tried to dodge

I dropped the vase of flowers

It fell with a clatter and got shattered.

I felt sorry for the flowers, now soiled, adulterated

And mixed up with bits of broken china

“What did you do that for?” she asked angrily

“Sorry, darling!” I said “It was your Valentine gift.”

Then there were a few seconds – perhaps a minute – of silence

I looked at her face

She was crest-fallen, remorseful and even feeling very bad

“I`m very sorry dear. And thanks for the thought

I really appreciate it”, she whispered.

As I bent down to pick up the broken pieces of china

She reached out before me:” No, let me do it. It was my fault!”

“In that case, let me pick up the flowers.

We both got up, she carrying the china remains

And I, the sodden and abused flowers.

Not knowing what else to say, I told her

“I`ll get you another vase and another set of flowers”

A broad smile lit up her face and she walked up to me:

‘Know what, my sweet love? Don`t bother

You have already offered me a vase of flowers

You don`t have to do it again

You are my Valentine

Not a bouquet of flowers.

I love

Happy Val`s!”.