she was welcomed by flowers. they covered her gently, wrapped themselves around her body, and kissed her lips as if they had known her forever. she thought she had finally found heaven. but flowers do not bloom forever. and neither do the things they touch. slowly, her colour faded beneath their petals. the cracks appeared. the warmth left her skin. yet the flowers continued to bloom, more beautiful than ever. Floruit et Periit. it bloomed, and it perished. perhaps that was always the price of beauty.