(Two years ago)
(Our protagonist's name is Louis — or at least, that's what it might have been.)
"Louis… do you know why we're in the garden?"
Yes, it's to learn about the flowers and plants.
"Haha, even though I love that you want to learn and study, my son… I just wanted to spend more time with you. Leave the flowers be — they're not going anywhere."
Hmm… I want hot chocolate milk!
"Haha… As you wish, my little prince."
.
.
.
Mom, I'll never forget the time we spent together. I'll never forget your kindness, and I'll never forget the noble values you raised me with.
But… I'm sorry.
The path I'm about to walk from now on —
The noble flower you nurtured so tenderly has withered after your death. Its petals have all been torn off so no one could smell or see it anymore — too hideous to even recognize.
That flower has died.
And in its place… a new flower has bloomed.
A flower that will mimic all others…
To avenge,
and reclaim what was once hers.
---
Yes… my body now *is* the white rose.
But there's something I've discovered —
It's not natural.
This rose…
It can *copy* other flowers.
As much as this is a gift, it comes with limits.
And it needs training.
Right now, I can only copy those I'm able to touch.
Yes…
I can feel their roots.
Their petals…
There are two flowers beside me. I can sense them. They are…
*Nerium oleander*.
Beautiful, soft pink blooms —
But poisonous.
I was surprised to find them so close to me.
But…
It must be fate.
**Shhhhh... shhhhh...**
*(The flower has been copied!)*
Now, I can take its form.
And even use its traits.
My escape from this endless spiral…
It depends heavily on fate.
---
**Tap. Tap. Tap.** *(Someone is coming.)*
"Hmm hmm hmm…
Oh my beautiful flowers, here—have some water."
"Ahh… what a lovely day. All it needs is a good cup of coffee."
"Hmmmmm… wait a second…"
"I had placed a white rose beside them—where is it?
There were only two…"
**Ding-ding** *(The sound of a door chime — someone enters the shop.)*
"Welcome, ladies! What can I get for you today?"
"We have all kinds of lovely flowers."
**"Are they ready?"**
"Y-yes, of course, of course! But... it just so happens they've become three now! Haha…
Consider it a gift from the shop!"
**Shhhhh… shhhhh…**
**(What? What's happening…?
Where am I being taken…?
Where is fate carrying me…?)**
---