Madam, Your Flowers Have All Withered

"What happened?"

"Sir, the car seems to have broken down. Please wait while I make a call for help."

There was little traffic on the road due to the ongoing snowstorm. The street lamps that lined both sides of the road shone dimly on the blanket of snow.

Knock, knock, knock… Someone knocked on the car window.

Puzzled, the driver lowered the window to reveal a trembling woman holding flowers in her arms. "Hello, sir. Do you want to buy some flowers?"

"No, thanks." As he spoke, he proceeded to roll up the window.

"Just a moment, sir. I'm begging you, would you please buy a bouquet from me? I'm in urgent need of money, as my child has been admitted to a hospital."

He shifted his gaze to the withered flowers in her arms. "I'm sorry, but we're not interested."

"Please, sir!" she implored pleadingly as she grabbed the window to prevent it from closing.