scent of hope

A to Z challenge, theme: anatomy, day 14: N
Flash fiction, 100 words 

The scent of the lilacs wafted into the house. Mandy paused, taking it in. She walked outside and clipped a small, bushy sprig of blossoms. Since it wouldn’t be allowed, she tucked the sprig into a plastic bag. She knew it was just the right thing.

Her mother lay in the ICU, unable to move or even to look out a window. Mandy took the sprig out of her pocket. She held it up in front of her mother’s eyes, then up to her nose. Mandy’s hopeful heart leaped as she saw those death-dull eyes suddenly sparking with light.

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