For Someone Who Stayed

Mei Wen stood outside her apartment in Penang, the bouquet resting delicately in her hands. There are lilac hydrangeas, soft pink roses, cream carnations, and eucalyptus wrapped in white layers that looked like morning light. It wasn’t overly grand, but it had a gentleness that reminded her of someone very specific. Her older cousin, Li Xuan.

Growing up, Mei Wen never had an easy childhood. Her parents worked long hours, arguments at home were frequent, and she often felt invisible in the noise of it all. But Li Xuan who is six years older, patient, soft-spoken and always made room for her. When she struggled with homework, he tutored her. When she wanted to join competitions but had no money for materials, he quietly sponsored her. And whenever she felt too overwhelmed to exist, he’d take her on evening drives along Gurney Drive, reminding her, “You don’t have to be strong all the time, Mei Wen. Let someone help you.”

Even now, in her mid-twenties, he still checked in without fail. Which is why she noticed immediately when his messages became shorter. When he started cancelling dinners. When the cheerful tone he always carried began to fade into something quieter, heavier.

After a few attempts, he finally admitted it that work had been overwhelming, responsibilities were piling up, and he felt like he was losing control of everything he used to be good at and she wanted, for once, to be the one who showed up for him.

So, she visited White On White, one of the best florists in Malaysia with same-day delivery in Penang. She told the florist, “I need something gentle. Something that feels like comfort. Like someone finally saying, ‘You’re allowed to rest.’”

This bouquet was the answer. Soft colours, calming tones, a design that felt like a quiet embrace. Now she stood outside his door, bouquet in hand, rehearsing what to say. When Li Xuan opened the door, he blinked in confusion. “Mei Wen? What’s all this?”

“It’s for you,” she said, holding out the bouquet. “For me? Why flowers?”

“Because you’ve carried everyone for so long,” she said softly. “And I think you deserve someone to carry you for once.” Li Xuan looked at the bouquet. The way the lilac hydrangeas softened the entire arrangement and his expression melted.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything,” she whispered. “Just… let someone be there for you too.”

For the first time, she saw him breathe properly and deeply like a weight had finally loosened from his chest. And in that quiet moment, Li Xuan finally allowed himself to be cared for.