A SHORT STORY: The flower seller who found her purpose

My entry into the Hello Hello Group Activity - 10

Dalisay’s mother, Analyn was growing increasingly concerned that her daughter would descend into depression. Dalisay had just completed her schooling and could not find work. She complained bitterly about not finding her “purpose” in life.

Analyn decided on a drastic course of action. “Dalisay, I’ve spoken with your uncle Bayani; and he has agreed for you to go and live with them in the city for a while. You will assist your cousins Rosamie and Mahalia, selling flowers.”

The following day, Dalisay was met by her two cousins in the city, at the end of her journey. By the time Dalisay arrived, it was late afternoon. The girls had sold most of the day’s ration of flowers. Within a short while, all the flowers were sold and they made their way home.

Her uncle Bayani and aunt Rosa were extremely pleased to see her. The family gathered for a special meal, to celebrate her arrival. Shortly, after the meal, her uncle said, “Dalisay, I think it’s best if you have a good night’s rest, as you would need to rise early in the morning; and you’ll have a long day ahead of you.

Unaccustomed to early rising, Dalisay’s protested silently to the shock she was experiencing. By dragging of the feet did she eventually get through all her morning ritual. It was still dark when the three girls gathered their quota of flowers and traveled to the city.

Dalisay was not enjoying the experience at all. By the end of the day, the other girls had sold all their flowers; whereas she had only sold a few bunches. This made Dalisay feel unhappier. This pattern repeated itself for many days and the sour-faced Dalisay achieved even less success. Her uncle decided to intervene, “Tomorrow, I will sell flowers with you.” He knew exactly what to do to give Dalisay purpose.

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When the first customer approached he said, "Remember to smile! We are selling hope and happiness." The young man was well dressed but he had an anxious look on his face, “Can I have your best bunch, please.” Dalisay, remember her uncle’s advice and smiled as she assisted the man. “Thank-you,” said the man and hurried away. “Quick, let’s follow him so I can show you what I mean!” They followed the young man until he arrived at an office, where he pulled out mobile phone and made a call and waited outside. Moments later an upset woman came out. He spoke a few words then gave her flowers. It brought a smile to her face. “Do you see what mean?” asked her uncle. Dalisay nodded. For the man the flowers had brought hope and for the young lady, happiness.

On the way back to her selling area, they were approached by to a woman on her way to a funeral. Dalisay smiled as she sold her next bunch. "We sell sympathy too!" said her uncle. Let’s follow the lady to see to why. At the funeral venue, they could see from a distance the woman handing the bereaved widow the bunch of follows. The widow did not smile, but her eyes expressed appreciation.

Again they made their way back to the selling area. On route, they were approached by an interior decorator. “I would like to buy all your flowers, she said. My client, need them for a function. I do however, require that you to bring them to the venue for me.” Needless to say this was the biggest smile Dalisay had mustered in a while. Before her uncle could say it - she said, “We also sell atmosphere, fragrance and beauty.”

From that day on, she sold her clients what they required, using flowers to express those needs.

Dalisay had found her purpose.