Thorns & All : A Valentine's Day Love Story

February marks the month that I lost everything. Six years ago, I experienced the worst pain a man could feel, and it was all because of Valentine’s Day. I’ve hated the stupid holiday ever since. Now, I spend my days at my gym, helping other people work through their problems with little to no words, because I hate people, while I drown in my own issues. It’s easier to be bitter than to feel anything else.

Then she walked in.

Truveya, with her striking features, her ability to look at life through a rose colored lens, and her stupid obsession to flowers. She’s sunshine, but all I know is darkness. She’s an irritating reminder of everything I no longer believe in.

Falling for her is the last thing I want to do. Love has the potential to destroy. But Truveya’s determined to wiggle her way into my heart.



I wasn’t always like this. Happy. Growing up, there wasn’t much to be happy about, but at least I had my twin sister. After Neveya died when I was thirteen, I made the conscious decision to push the pain aside and find positivity in every situation. I learned that flowers are proof that beauty can grow in even the worst conditions. That’s why I opened my little floral shop—to bring joy to the world, one bouquet at a time.

But then I met Marcel.

There’s something so intriguing about him, though dark. He feels dangerous, but I’ve never felt a spark like this. I recognize that he’s been through something. I think everyone who has felt a great deal of pain can recognize one of their own, but he wears his like armor, keeping everyone at arm’s length. Including me.

Still, something in me won’t give up on him. I know I should keep my distance, but I can’t. I would do anything to break that tough exterior, including digging through the thorns to find the man underneath.

My whole life has been a show of pretending the trauma within me doesn’t exist. Maybe Marcel will teach me that sometimes, it’s okay to feel the pain—and still choose love anyway.