A Bouquet She Chose for Herself
The afternoon in Ipoh was warm and gentle, the kind of day that made the city feel slower than usual. Ain stood outside the White On White boutique, her fingers brushing the strap of her tote bag as she took a quiet breath.
She hadn’t planned to come here. But after a long week of helping colleagues, managing family responsibilities, and putting everyone else first, something inside her whispered, “Do something for yourself today.” So, she stepped inside. The shop greeted her with soft music and the comforting scent of fresh blooms. Rows of bouquets lined the counter like stories waiting to be chosen. Ain was greeted by her old friend Mei, who’s working as a florist in White On White, “Ain? I didn’t expect to see you today.”
Ain smiled weakly. “Yeah… it’s been a long week. I thought maybe I should get something nice for myself.” Mei raised an eyebrow gently. “Good. You deserve that. Come, let’s find something that feels like you.” They walked slowly past bouquets wrapped in ivory, blush, and sandy beige tones. Roses, carnations, eustomas, and little pops of blue danced together in soft harmony. Ain’s eyes paused on a bouquet of a blend of pink, lavender, cream, yellow, and tiny blue flowers tucked between the petals. It felt cheerful, hopeful, and comforting all at once.
Mei noticed. “This one is perfect for you.” Ain lightly touched one of the blooms. “It’s beautiful… but I’m not sure if I should spend on myself.” Mei turned to her, voice soft but firm. “Ain, listen. You give so much to everyone. You show up for people without thinking twice. When was the last time you did something just for you?” Ain didn’t have an answer.
She thought of the late nights she spent finishing extra work. The errands she ran for her family. The friends she comforted even when her own heart felt tired. She didn’t regret any of it. Kindness was her nature but somewhere along the way, she forgot that she needed kindness too. Mei continued, “Self-gratitude is still gratitude, Ain. You’re allowed to appreciate yourself.” Ain felt something soften in her chest. Maybe buying flowers wasn’t indulgence but it was acknowledgment, a gentle thank you to herself for carrying on, for trying, for showing up every day even when no one noticed.
She nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll take this one.” Mei smiled warmly and began wrapping the bouquet with careful folds, finishing it with a soft blush ribbon. In that moment, when she handed it over, Ain held it close, feeling its warmth settle her. As she walked out of White On White, the colours of the bouquet seemed to glow against the sunlight. It wasn’t just a pretty arrangement. It was a reminder that she was deserving, that her efforts mattered, and that gratitude wasn’t something meant only for others. Sometimes, gratitude blooms when we finally choose ourselves. And that afternoon, Ain did exactly that.
