I reluctantly turned my head around to look in the mirror. My mouth curved into a smile upon the sight of a beautiful blue flower about the size of a golf ball. It was better than anything I would have chosen for myself.
“It’s beautiful. What kind of flower is that?”
“It’s a lotus flower.”
“I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it. I just didn’t know what it was called. What made you pick this for me?”
“Well, that book I was reading said the lotus is a flower that’s born from murky, slimy waters.”
I raised my brows. “The slimy part reminded you of me?”
“No. Basically, the flower is considered pure because of its ability to emerge from the dark waters in the morning perfectly unscathed. What reminded me of you is the fact that from this murky water a beautiful blossom was made. You used to tell me you felt like a part of you just came from a black hole because of your father. And I know you walk around every day feeling like a part of you is missing. But whether or not you realize it, you’re a light to those who know you—to me. Just like the lotus, you’ve risen above the darkness to become something beautiful—a beautiful human.”