Love in full bloom

Plagued by his ex’s abrupt exit from his life, Ken believes he’s missed his chance at a happily ever after—until a chance meeting proves him wrong

- Crystal Moore

The brisk breeze stirred the cherry trees as Ken climbed into a waiting taxi. He barely glanced at the pink petals drifting across the stone-gray sky. He was having a hard time feeling the optimism the blossoms symbolized today.

“You’re that haiku poet, aren’t you?” the driver asked. “Doing another reading at this year’s festival?”

Ken nodded. He didn’t need the visor ID to know the cabbie’s name was Mack. He remembered it from last year…among other things. What were the odds in a city with cabs as numerous as cherry trees, he’d end up in the same one his ex-girlfriend had left him in?

He’d planned to propose at last year’s cherry blossom festival, but before the cab had left the curb, his ex announced that their relationship was over. Then, she’d exited the cab—and his life.

“It’s cloudy now, but clear skies are coming,” Mack said. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

Ken’s eyes flashed up at the cabbie who’d cut short his trip down memory lane. He could expect a nice tip for that.