Fake Flowers

Mourning Without Death

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Someone once said, “Water has no effect on fake flowers.”
You heard it once I think— maybe in passing. But it clung to you.
It stuck to your ribs the way truth often does.
Because that’s what you’ve been doing, isn’t it?
Pouring yourself out, drop by quiet drop — into people who never knew what it cost you.

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You cared a little too much.
Showed up when no one noticed.
Waited longer than anyone ever should.

But some things don’t grow, no matter how much you try or believe they will.
Because they were never real to begin with.
Deep down, you knew.
Bright petals, perfect edges, but hollow roots — they were plastic.

Still, you lied to yourself. And to those who asked.
You said, “Maybe they’re just different.”
So you forgave the absence, made more excuses about your own imperfection…
And when it still didn’t feel right,
you blamed yourself for wanting too much.