Love is a strange thing. You are never warned when it will come, you just feel it. Alder knew something was different. His stomach twirled and flowers bloomed around him as he read each word. 

Breathe... He won’t feel the same, He thought. His joy was interrupted when he was faced with the word “technology.” Yes, it would be a lot easier, but he can’t risk losing everything if a little box finds out about his secret. He knew at some point there would be a time where the fear would have to be ignored. Technology was everywhere and he was beginning to look like the odd one out. He would just have to be careful. The next couple of days went well, they planned to meet at the cafe near the flower shop on Saturday. Everyday Alder walked by it, smelled the same sweet coffee scent, but never stopped to look inside.

Saturday came quickly. Alder walked the same street as usual, but instead stopped and peeked through the glass window. Looking inside, he saw Earl sitting at a little table at the back end of the cafe. As he slowly walked inside he repeated in his mind,

This isn't a date; this isn’t a date. Overthinking was one of Alder's greatest talents. Earl stood up to greet Alder,

“Alder, thank you for coming. Sit, please.” Alder chuckled to himself, “He doesn't need to be so proper.” As he went to sit down distracted by his thoughts, a little foot grabbed the bottom of his seat pulling it away from the table. The next thing Alder knew was the sharp pain in his back and the feeling of the hard floor under him.

The little boy giggled and turned to face his mother who grabbed him by the arm and pulled him out the door of the cafe.

“Alder! Are you alright?” Earl sprung out of his chair and rushed over to help.

“I think so. That was embarrassing. I'm sorry.” He looked up to see a hand opened waiting to hold his. His cheeks turned red as he took his hand and sat in his chair correctly. Earl chatted about nonsense while Alder sat there filled with thoughts. 

This isn't going well. Why do I feel this way? I can’t be here anymore.

“Alder are you there?” Earl said while tapping Alder’s hand. He lifted his head to find every rose on each table shriveled and dead.

“I’m so sorry. I have to go.” He rushed out of the Cafe leaving the sweet scent of coffee behind. His eyes welled with tears and his head reeled on how he could have been caught.

This was too much of a risk! I should have stayed at home! They can’t find out! Before he could make it back home, he was caught by Earl grabbing his shoulder.

“Alder! -You're crying?” Alder wiped the tears and backed up from the man.

“I,” He stuttered. “I can’t do this.” He turned and went to leave but Earl grabbed his wrist.

“Stop! Please can I at least help? Let me bring you home.” Alder paused and was left to stare at the tall man, wondering why he would care so much for the lonely poor person he was. He couldn't tell him no; he was so sincere.

“Alright.”