Stacy paused her stride to inspect the flowers as she did every year at this time. Her eyes lingered to the pinks of the roses, blues of the sky, even the oranges of soda cans; intrigued by the colors in foods, paints, and flowers. Because flowers had the most colors within themselves, they were Stacy’s favorite.

The sweet scent of pollen in the air and the warmth of the colors made Stacy see herself walking through the park, the colors contrasting with her own clothes. 

That day, she wanted to walk in the park; the weather had begun thawing the winter for the start of spring. The sun shined bright in the sky, the birds chirped, and the little kids playing at the park made Stacy remember what it was like getting grass stains on her pants and the mud spatters on her shirts.

The flower garden spread out many strides, little gates to keep people from stepping into it, and placards standing tall that stated which plant was which. Stacy had gone there in the fall, but they were all dead. Now, they were blooming with life, bees buzzed around them to collect pollen. Butterflies landed on them to get a taste. Humming birds flew past to get in on the action. Stacy smiled at the sights, for everything she saw made her need to squint a bit.

In the winter the grass was covered in snow, the trees without their leaves. To Stacy, everything popped out a little more than it had before. The flowers brought out so many smiles, happy thoughts, and little creatures. The bone chilling season was getting warmer. No more cold days, blurred windows, dark tones, and bland hues. Stacy thought she’d have to wear many layers of warm clothing forever.

Now there was spring and color, new smells, a brightness that lit up the park.