I work as a florist. And one day, an unusual girl came in.
Outwardly, nothing special — but her eyes. Incredibly light blue. I'd never seen eyes so pale. And her hair was strange: strands dyed in rainbow colors. A creative type, I figured. She placed an order and then, as if casually, started a conversation.
"I just love sunny days," she said. "Today's weather is perfect."
"Uh-huh," I muttered, busy with her bouquet.
"By the way, Iris. Everything will be fine. Exam week will go well. And give me white roses."
I froze. Okay, my name was on my badge. But there's no way she could have known I was a student. For a moment, I was stunned.
"Th-thanks?" I managed.
"You've read The Master and Margarita, right?" she continued. "You know Woland?"
"I have." I tried to keep the surprise out of my voice. I just wanted to finish the bouquet, but the rose stems wouldn't cut cleanly — my cheap scissors were betraying me.
"Well," my strange customer went on, "I am the complete opposite of Woland. Who I am — that's for you to decide."
I swallowed. Not every day you get customers like this. (I was not amused.)
"You've been searching for true values in life, haven't you? So here's the truth: the only value in this world is Love. Acceptance of life in all its forms. Compassion is the driving force of everything. The foundation of our existence."
She smiled at me.
"And when you hurt someone — you hurt me first. And I get angry. Oh, how angry I get at you for that."
Her smile widened. And I felt terror.
I swallowed hard. My throat let out a pitiful squeak.
"Life was given to you as a gift," she said. "And what have you done with it? Did you think you'd get away with it?"
She took a threatening step toward me.
I stared at her. Couldn't even squeak. Finally, I gathered myself and bleated:
"S-sorry... forgive us..."
She continued: "The truth is, I love you. Even though people slander my name sometimes. My love for you is unbreakable. It always will be. But unfortunately — if you keep doing what you're doing — I won't be able to save you. I won't. Please remember this conversation. Understand that the basic rule of life is: do no harm to another. Every evil act — even an evil thought — wounds me irreparably. Like ten knives in the back. And I am forced to show you my other form. Please understand: the only truth in this world is Love."
I was silent the whole time. Couldn't get a word in. Finally, I finished the bouquet and held it out to her.
She just smiled and said: "These white flowers — they're yours."
I stared at her awkwardly.
"Th-thanks?" I thanked her a second time.
"No. Thank you," she said. "For seeking the truth."
This time, her smile was radiant. Happy.
"You will be saved — if you don't stray from the path I've told you."
I nodded.
"We'll meet at the end of the road," my strange visitor said.
She said goodbye and walked out.
I stood there. Holding the bouquet of white roses. Completely bewildered.
A voice pulled me out of it. The manager. "Hey, you fell asleep during your break. Want me to give you half an hour to eat something?"
"Thanks," I nodded meekly.
Was it a dream?
But on the table lay a bouquet of white roses.