Compared to the bustling shopping malls, the flower shop hidden at the end of the old alley and the pastry shop next door are more like a tender and charming corner. The rich fragrance of fresh roses blends with the sweet aroma of freshly baked macarons. There are no hurried footsteps, only the ease of two people strolling leisurely between flowers and desserts, allowing the pleasant aroma to quietly spread along their noses.
Choose a weekend morning to set off. Check the opening hours of the flower shop in advance – the owner said that on weekends they would receive new imported Oriental lilies, which are the pale purple color that the other person likes. Just as you turned into the old alley, you saw a row of sunflowers at the entrance of the flower shop. The golden flower discs were facing the sunlight, like little suns. You held the other person’s hand and quickened your pace, “Look, the Oriental lilies should be inside.”
Pushing open the wooden door of the flower shop, the wind chimes tinkled. The owner smiled and came forward, “Here you are? The lavender carnations have just been arranged. They are on that shelf over there.” You walked up to the flower rack and picked up a bunch of carnations, the petals still damp with morning dew. “Look at this color, it goes well with the dress you wore last week.” The other person came closer and sniffed, “It smells so good, even fresher than the one I bought last time.” When you asked the owner to wrap the flowers, you secretly added two small white freesias, “This fragrance is very light, and it goes perfectly with the carnations.”
Carrying the packaged flowers, I walked into the adjacent dessert shop. Under the warm yellow light, the glass display cases were filled with macarons, tiramisu, and caramel pudding. Each one exuded a sweet aroma. Pointing at the strawberry soufflé in the case, I said, “The soufflé here is freshly baked. Shall we wait for a while?” The other person nodded, but his eyes were fixed on the lemon tarts beside it. “That one looks delicious too. We can each order one and share it.”
Find a small table by the window and sit down. The waiter brings two cups of hot cocoa, with marshmallows floating on the surface of the cups. You place the flowers at the corner of the table and help the other person stir the cocoa, saying, “Be careful, it’s hot. Wait until the marshmallows melt a little before drinking.” The other person takes a spoonful and says with shining eyes, “It’s very sweet, but not too thick.” Not long after, soufflés and lemon tarts are served. The soufflés are fluffy and soft, trembling slightly when shaken gently; the crust of the lemon tarts is crispy, and there is a transparent sugar frosting on top.
You picked up a piece of soufflé and handed it to the other person, saying, “Try it, it’s the softest one just out of the oven.” The other person took a bite and a bit of cream got on the corner of her mouth. You smiled and used a tissue to wipe it off for her, saying, “It’s like a little cat that’s stealing the cream.” She wasn’t convinced and picked up a piece of lemon tart and fed it to you, saying, “This is super sour, give it a try.” After you took a bite, you narrowed your eyes and frowned because of the sourness. She laughed uncontrollably, saying, “Who made you laugh at me? This is a punishment.”
After finishing the dessert, the boss gave a small box of macarons. “The new one is made with matcha flavor. You can try it.” You picked up a green macaron and handed it to her, “This one shouldn’t be too sour.” She took a bite and nodded, “The matcha flavor is very strong and delicious.” You put the remaining macarons into a box, “Take it home as afternoon tea. It goes well with your favorite black tea.”
As you were leaving, she held the flowers in her arms while you were carrying the box of macarons, walking along the old alley bathed in sunlight. Suddenly, she said, “Next time let’s buy sunflowers. Placing them at home will surely be very soothing.” You nodded. “OK, next time I’ll bring you to have soufflés. I heard they will be releasing mango-flavored ones next week.” She stopped and placed the flowers in front of you. “Smell them, the fragrance of the Oriental iris and the baby’s iris blend together. It’s really nice.” You lowered your head to smell them. Your nose accidentally touched the petals. When you looked up, you bumped into her smiling eyes. Your heart was sweetened like being melted by the macarons.
The beauty of a date at the flower shop and the dessert shop in the alley is not about having a grand arrangement, but rather in the midst of the floral fragrance and sweetness, being able to capture the most adorable aspects of the other person – the way they are captivated by a bouquet of flowers, the way they are satisfied by a bite of dessert, and the way they laugh and play. These fragrant moments, like frosting, envelop the heartstrings, making the anticipation for the next meeting even sweeter.