Calyx
an excerpt

When she didn't answer, he took the red rose from his breast and put it in her hands. "I like you. Please know that." She didn't have anything else to say and watched as they walked away from her, arm in arm.

She sat in silence that night as Angela packed her belongings. "It was a short while, but thanks for everything, Acasja." Acasja would have given anything to hear the word 'lady' in front of her name at that moment. She picked up her bag and lifted the marmoset onto her shoulder. The creature looked back at Acasja and began to struggle and protest. Angela gripped it more tightly and walked out the door. It slammed shut.

Acasja threw herself on the bed in tears. I don't care about anything else anymore!