Katherine Nicolai

I followed my nose to the large row of lilacs and put on my gloves and opened my shears.

The blossoms were so full and heavy that their stems struggled to stay upright.

And I set my basket down and started to relieve them of their burdens.

I took time to notice each small bloom, drank deep the smell, and patiently waited for bees to shift from one flower to another.

I filled my basket till it nearly overflowed, and still the bushes seemed as full as they had when I started.

I kicked my way back down the drive, and with a surreptitious look up and down the road, I smuggled my goods back into the car and made my getaway.

All that stealing had made me thirsty, and I was craving a cold brew coffee from a little cafe near my house.

I decided to bring my basket with me

and found a seat at a tiny table outside.

I ordered my iced coffee with a bit of coconut milk and sat my basket on the seat beside me.

I picked through the stems, making small bouquets and tying them up with twine.

Some were for me, and some I'd leave on the doorsteps of friends.

Did you steal those lilacs?

asked a voice from behind me.

I turned to see an older man with grey hair and bright eyes looking at me over his cup of coffee.

What lilacs?

I asked innocently.

He winked at me and touched his finger to the side of his nose.

Takes one to know one, he said.

I laughed out loud and passed him over a bundle of flowers.