Night's ink-black waltzed amidst the heavy still quiet in the room, the half moon's silver barely giving some abstract shape to the dwelling. The bed was a chilled lonesome field even with the two occupants.
Stan's eyes were half-open, devoid of its usual luster. He was turned away from Ollie with one hand under his head as his other hand held his part of the blanket tight and close to his chest.
Oliver laid on his back, under the stretched-out bed cover with his palms on his chest. Ollie looked at the ceiling, his sleepy eyes straining in search of something to say between the darkened lines in the room and his flustered emotions.
Stan's thoughts went back and forth, wishing to blurt out the rush of wind that flowed between his mind and heart. Yet Stanley wanted to keep some kind of peace within the numbness of the night and try to go to sleep.
Oliver woke up mid-morning, not knowing when he went to sleep. He began to stretch and yawn but caught himself, trying not to make noise as he quietly left the bed with Stan still asleep. Oliver quickly and silently got dressed then opened the room door. Before leaving, he looked on at the sleeping Stan, smiling in his sleep, curled up in whatever he was dreaming. It was the first in days that he saw Stanley smile, which in turn made him smile.
Oliver went directly to the front desk, putting his hands flat on the surface.
"Ah! Guten morgen, Mr. Hardy! How are you?" The matron gleefully greeted.
"Yes, good morning," Oliver replied with a smile. "Do you know where the nearest flower shop is?"
"Oh yes! You will somehow have to get past the crowd of runners that are also after flowers." The matron laughed.
"How so?" Oliver asked.
"Well, you came at the most coincidental time if you like flowers! There is a yearly run called 'Edel Laufen.'
"Edel-Ed-" Oliver stammered.
"Ya, 'Edel Laufen', it means 'Noble Race'. There is a rare blume or ah... the flower. It grows mainly in the alpine region called 'Edelweiss.' It is a difficult flower to get because it grows high in the mountains. Whoever got the flower was considered noble, brave, and, of course, truly cared for the person that they presented it to. The flower doesn't show yet; it's a summer bloom. However, since it is spring, there is a race or run anyway for it, with the winner presented with a potted edelweiss for it to bloom later.
Oliver darted his eyes around then slapped his hand on the top of the front desk.
"I'll do it!" Oliver declared.
"What?! But sir-" The matron chuckled.
"How do I enter the race?" Oliver asked.
"Well, ah... Anyone can enter the group of runners. But sir, really it is dangerous und' mostly young idealistic boys und' girls in love trying to show off do it. Look, the flower shop is just past the-"
"It is not youthful foolishness that I do what I must! But tis' to reunite wavering hearts!" Proclaimed Oliver.
"But, Mr. Hardy-!" The hotel matron said with worry.
"Truly, it is fate, my dear!" Oliver trumpeted with another slap on the front desk and a twist of his head to the front door.
"Oh, sir, please wait!" The matron called to the rushing away Oliver. Nonetheless, Ollie's head and chest were filled with determination.
The matron ran to the front door holding on to its frame. She watched Oliver rush down the road toward the racing banner. The matron quivered in fear, kissed her teeth, and then turned back into the hotel, running up the stairs.