The Flower

A few days earlier.

In the middle of a bustling city, a child carrying a basket full of flowers ran around the city, selling the flowers. The colors varied and even a black one was there.

"Anyone want to buy a flower for two copper coins?" The boy asked around, but not a single of them spared even a glance.

He was only a small boy, a bit younger than Mithra, but he was strong. No, he needed to be strong.

"Anyone, please buy a flower for two copper coins."

He continued running around, finding not a single person buying his flower. Dejected, he slowly walked his way toward his house, finding a middle-aged man sitting on the bed.

He put down the basket of flowers and fixed his white hair before putting on the biggest smile as if his sad look was a lie.

*Cough Cough!* The middle-aged man coughed up blood as he looked at the young boy who did everything he could during the day.

"Father, are you alright?" The little boy asked.