Once again, for Valentine’s Day, I bought a miniature pink rosebush.

The security guard at the Giant asked if I needed help
and proceeded with how to care for the petite shrub indoors.
When I asked how he knew so very much
he informed me that he owned a nursery nearby.

I came home and set it in a place of honor.
I did everything he suggested.
I sang it love songs and didn’t over water it.
I kept it out of the direct sunlight and gave it compliments.
“Your pale petals are like delicate lips, your buds, exquisite eyes waiting to flash open.”
I had candy hearts made with special messages … “A Rose is a Rose”, “Plant a Kiss Right Here”
bought a teeny bouquet of Valentine’s Day balloons and then, took it out for dinner
ordering us the most expensive wine on the menu
and presenting a gorgeous 5-carat diamond ring, perfectly balanced on a dark chocolate truffle,
At night, I blew it kisses and fell asleep wishing we did not have to part, even briefly.
And first thing every morning, I would check its soil and whisper softly, “Tu eres mio, mi amor.”

Perhaps I cared too much.

It lasted less than a week.