I've started a new project -- the idea is to write an appropriate drabble for every day of the year. This is February 14th's
Marion Arnold opens the door of 23 Salisbury Street. Her eyes stretch in disbelief, seeing the long-stem yellow rose. She’s 46 and this is her first valentine.
“Your smile brightens my day,” the card says.
Heart fluttering, she recalls her neighbour commenting recently, “Smiling suits you.” She bakes a cake and, daringly, invites him for tea. Neither mentions the flower on the table, but they gaze at each other over it. They talk for hours.
At number 32, Melanie Arnold is too excited by her diamond engagement ring to notice that the rose her love sends every year didn’t arrive.