Stop and Don't Smell the Roses

Walking through downtown at midday should be a comforting trip. The stores are open with the switching of seasons. New coffee mixes are advertised at the local coffee shop. The lawyers are dreading the seasonal change as Halloween is only a month away. It is supposed to be a good time.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. My breath slightly fogged on this colder-than-it-should-be day. I was enjoying myself passing out fliers and running some errands for the other artists in our building. A nice hot cup of black coffee from Java House and a fresh cookie from a bakery about to move made the day even better.

I was walking past this giant metal tree sculpture at the city center when I heard a "psst" from beside of me. I was standing next to the iron fencing that leads down a hill. Woven through the fencing was a bright red rose, late to bloom. It was gorgeous. I wanted to take it home with me but with the new found science that plants feel when we pick them, I decided not to try it.

I started on my quest to the next place to drop off a flier when I heard the "psst" again. I stopped in my tracks and wandered back to the flower. I walked down the steps leading to the tree after some thought. Its broad daylight, surely I would be safe. This is a high foot traffic area. I'll be OK.

I got to the bottom of the steps and stared at the tree. I looked around at the benches and the open green grass. The benches were all empty. The grass was undisturbed. I looked up the hill to the rosebush that stopped me in my trek. I decided to take a closer look.

I made it awkwardly to the bush and looked around for anyone else on the sidewalk. Strangely it was empty where it had at least 20 people on it a moment ago. I inspected the bush. At the base was a shredded t-shirt. A pair of glasses was partially exposed under the pine needles. Was that a tooth? I stood up and got a closer look at the rose. A pungent smell unlike any rose lingered into my nostrils. It made me sick.

I took a giant step back. The bright red bloom that caught my attention was dripping with a different kind of red. I really hoped it wasn't blood. I took giant strides down the hill and took the long way around 3 buildings to get to where I was going. I wasn't going to find out why the bush had a collection of items. I was not going to find out what that red stuff is.

Now I cross the street when I get close to that bush. No chance in Hell am I going near it again.