“It was only a couple of plants. They’ll grow back faster than you think.” 

“Not after starting a small inferno in the backyard!” 

It had been Anthony’s turn to cook dinner and he wanted to try out his new grill for a meal of homemade burgers. The only issues were he’d never used a grill before, nor knew the heights flare ups could reach when fatty parts of meat fall into flames. Startled by the sudden ignition, the amateur chief pushed his grill back and stumbled to the ground. The grill mirrored him, landing on the nearby garden that his wife had been growing for many months. Her hard work burned into a charred ash of what once was as the flames died out. However, a brighter blaze seared through Venus’s body. 

“You don’t even seem to care how long that garden took to grow. Maybe you forgot how much money I spent on it. Oh and while we’re on money, did you forget that Flower Power has been bringing in more than your job ever could?” Venus’s store was known throughout the town as the number spot for everything floral. The store had been open a mere few months, but word spread faster than weeds and Flower Power quickly became a household name. 

“I do care, but I’d care more if you didn’t have a greenhouse brimming with plants at your shop. We’ll pop in to snag a couple, bring ’em here and your garden will be back better than ever.” Anthony reached for Venus’s hand as he said this. 

“You’re missing the point!” She said, snatching it back. “Those plants were specifically grown for my best client, so there’s none like them at my shop!” Anthony began to respond, but Venus’s venom spat faster. 

“But it is just a couple of plants, right? With a green thumb like yours, there’ll be a lavish grove by morning.” She wrinkled her nose as gestured her hands around the gray yard.

Anthony straightened his posture and stared at her with a stony expression. A firm sorry fell through his teeth. Venus’s temper began to settle as cold regret washed over her. She knew her emotions were getting the best of her and her theatrics were unbecoming at best. His apology was meant to give themselves a break for the night. Had he not, the two would’ve fought till morning. Venus appreciated her husband’s foresight because it prevented them from lashing out at one another during heated conversations. They would take a short break, then continue. At least, they normally would. 

With a forehead kiss and solemn goodnight, Anthony turned to leave the backyard. His wife tried to keep him outside, wanting to talk things out properly. He simply shook his head and calmly stated tonight’s discussion was over as he continued toward the backdoor. 

Venus followed him, but stopped at the steps leading up. Her husband motioned for her to come inside, but she shook her head and gave him a kiss on the cheek. With matching smiles, the Maw couple went their separate ways. Gently closing the door in front of her, Venus took a seat on one of the back steps. She pushed her reddening face into her knees with a sniffle. Her head was covered by her arms, a sight too embarrassing under the moon’s watchful glow. She sat there for a moment to ponder how she could make things right with Anthony. “Venus the Viper strikes again.” She thought. 

A cold wind blew through Venus’ bronzed hair. They wrapped themselves around her body in an attempt to comfort the woman. It did little for the goosebumps that sprouted and flourished under her dress. Twin bell shaped sleeves hung low, each one threatening to pull the poor girl down with them. Venus felt ash brush against her exposed skin as it flew in the breeze. Some floral remains were whisked away and she hoped that this night and its memories would follow suit. When her face finally softened to a pinky hue, Venus raised her head to leave. However, her gaze was met with a single audience member standing in aisles of ash and soot. 

A young flower waved in the breeze sympathetically. Its leaves and thorns were tipped in a brown ebony and were paired with a bright, crimson bulb. It hadn’t yet reached anthesis, so most of the petals were tightly wrapped. Venus spun through her mental rolodex as she walked towards the plant, but couldn’t match the flower to any known species. Its leaves weren’t jagged enough to be a rose, nor were its thorns big enough to be a quince sprout. 

She bent down to get a better look, her curiosity nudging her further. 

“Let’s try to pot you and I can research you later.” Venus thought. 

Through a layer of sooty soil, Venus gently dug her hands around the plant’s base to feel for roots. There were much fewer than she assumed there’d be. Bringing the flower up, she noticed every other pair of roots had a thin layer of leaf material connecting them. It was as if bats had burrowed themselves while their wings poked through. 

A strong gust blew hard against the flower, pushing it against the side of her hand. Venus turned her hand, so that her palm would support its weight. She gently held the plant’s stem as she tried to stabilize herself in the growing wind. Another gust whipped ash into her face and she began to stumble over her gogo boots. The woman tried to steady herself while backing up, but the toe of her boot caught the heel of the other. She fell hard onto the ground and felt a twinge of pain on her palm. 

Venus lifted her hands and found dark remnants of the plant crushed in her palms. Warm red slowly pooled along the creases of her hand, covering any thorns from the flattened flora.

“This night keeps getting better and better.” She thought.

With dirty gogo boots and bloodied palms, Venus brushed the flower remains off her hands and walked towards the backdoor. A cold wind gave her one final push as she stumbled inside. Her shoes clacked against the wood flooring, clicking at every step she took towards a well used sink. Venus turned it on and hoped the thorns weren’t too deep as she washed her hands. Though, as the water ran over them, she stared blankly.

There were no thorns. 

There were no gashes or scars.

There weren’t any signs of harm. The only proof of what happened was the red tinted water draining down the sink.

“No.” Venus said to her lying hands. She kept washing them and felt for thorns that must’ve gotten pushed further down while something distracted her. Nothing stood out to her that could have caused them to do deeper, but they couldn’t have just disappeared. After her fifth scrub down, she tiredly threw in the damp towel. 

“I must have a thousand and one thorns in my skin from other plants.” Venus thought. “Now I just have a thousand and five thorns.”

She made her way down the hall and cracked open the bedroom door to see if Anthony was still awake. His head buried beneath a pillow emitting loud sounds of sleep confirmed he wasn’t. His wife giggled at his noises and kissed his pillow before she got ready for bed.

“Blanche is wanting a fancy bouquet, so I could find some rarer variants in the shop.” Venus thought while brushing her teeth. 

“She doesn’t like much color. Maybe lilies or ro…roses.” A dizzying feeling began to push on her head. 

“Roses are in the b…back.”The toothbrush fell from her mouth as she grabbed her head. 

“Lilies are…are further.” Her legs quivered as she steadied herself on the bathroom door. Her last conscious movements were falling on the bed, reaching out for Anthony. 

A blaring alarm ended her slumber with a panic. She jerked forward, but was only snared tighter into the bed. A seed of anxiety bloomed into fear as she clawed out of the trap she must’ve fallen into. 

“No! NO!” She cried out. 

One final push from her legs knocked down the bars of her cage. Though, it was less a cage and more a swaddle of blankets. She looked around, as if the fear of last night was waiting to take her out at daybreak. All that was waiting however, was an empty, once neatly made bed and a clock that read six one zero. 

“That feeling.” She thought. “I must’ve just been tired from yesterday’s shift.” After wiping off beads of stress from her forehand, she got out of bed and realized she was in her nightgown. Yesterday’s outfit was already in a laundry bin and her gogo boots had a fresh shine. The toothbrush from last night had been picked up, washed and placed back into the couple’s brush cup. Venus chuckled at the thought of Anthony waking up to his wife white knuckling their bed fully dressed. 

“He really is a saint. I’ll need to make a good dinner tonight for him.” She thought as her morning routine began. Venus began by half brushing her teeth and letting a surprisingly vile mouthwash do most of the work. With a new outfit and a touch of makeup that she swore was her color, she went to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. She popped a couple of yolks into a frying pan and brewed a pot of coffee while flipping on an old radio. Venus gave a tired good morning to the appliance as Chatty Kathy shared some news. 

“Spring has sprung everyone, so go enjoy that beautifully sunny day! It’s the perfect time to jam out with The Foundations’ newest song coming up next after a word from our sponsors. Are you in need of nature’s finest gifts?” The florist’s ears perked up as she finished cooking.

“Come on down to Daisy Chain; a petal paradise for all your needs.”

“Cute joke.” Venus snorted. “They’ll be gone in a month, maybe two if they get lucky.”

Continuing with her one sided conversation, Venus placed her meal down on the countertop and slid into a nearby barstool. She tried to listen to Kathy, but her stomach drowned her out at the sight of food. Her mouth watered as she dug into her meal.

Though, she could only manage a few bites of her eggs. The meal tasted as sour as spoiled leftovers. She tried to wash out the taste with coffee, but it compared just as poorly. Venus grabbed the bag of coffee grains to read its expiration date, but it said the drink should’ve been good for at least a few more weeks. Her gut growled for a new meal, but the clock gave a swift counterpoint. 

“I’ll have to grab food later. Blanche always shows up right when I open.” Venus thought as she brushed her breakfast into the garbage bin. With a last word from Kathy and a half serious goodbye from Venus, the florist began her walk to Flower Power.

She tried to remember what flowers her fussy customer liked; a task that she wouldn’t sweat over if the order was for anyone other than Blanche White. She was a pale thorn that pricked Venus every time she wanted something. Though, her wants often came out as threats since she was Venus’s highest paying customer. The florist pondered, or moreso floundered, with different bouquet options as she took note of the wandering eyes passing by. Perhaps she should’ve quickly rinsed her hair before work or chosen shoes that didn’t click-clack as obnoxiously. 

“If I’m too much of a sight, Blanche will graciously tell me.” Venus thought. She was quickly proven right as a slender figure outside her shop gasped with melodrama. 

“Good morning Mrs. White.” Venus said through a forced grin.

“Is it good? If my flowers are as put together as you, I’d think not.” Blanche said. 

“Your flowers are more than good. I do need to get the shop ready for other customers, though, and it’ll take some time. Why not come back in half an hour? I can even knock down the price for your patience.” She hated the idea of giving that devil a cheaper bouquet, but Venus knew she needed time. 

The old lady wrinkled her brow, but agreed as long as the price is the only thing being knocked down. Following a few quick nods from Venus, Mrs. White walked away with a sigh. Venus darted into the shop to collect herself and came up with a flower arrangement she knew would be a hit. At least, she hoped it would. 

Venus hurried to set the bouquet up, praying no one will come by and wonder why the shop hasn’t opened yet. She sprinkled a couple of baby’s breaths around a vase’s edge and mixed in some alyssums. Next was a ring of lavender that left room for the main attraction. A crown of dusty pink roses were placed in the center; they were Blanche’s favorite flower after all. She finished with a pale ribbon wrapped tight around the stems and knew she was ready. 

“It’s not what I first had in mind, but this is pretty good for a rushed arrangement.” she thought. The florist placed her bouquet on the checkout counter and noticed flowers along her hands and parts of her arms. They came off when she gently brushed at them, aside from a slight tug. As the petals fell to the floor, they passed more flowers along her legs. She kept finding more plants on her, but couldn’t tell what flowers they were and assumed her rushed movements around the shop caught some loose flora. She began to examine the flowers, but her stomach distracted her with a growl and an idea. 

“Technically, I haven’t opened the shop yet and Manny’s is right across the street.”

Another hungry grumble sold her on a quick meal. Venus walked to the glass door of her shop, but stopped to search through her purse for some money. The warmth tickled her skin as sunbeams trickled through stained glass windows. As she pulled her wallet out, Venus noticed green spots on her skin. Sprouts began to emerge with small blooms, each reaching for the light. The florist stood blankly as more plants continued to grow from her skin. 

She stepped away from the sunlight and the flowers suddenly stopped. Testing the plants, she stuck her arm out of the shade and as it touched the light, more blossoms appeared. Venus’s eyes blinked rapidly, as she assumed her mind must be toying with her. She moved her arm in and out of the light a few more times, but stopped when she heard giggling. 

“Hello? Who’s there?” Venus asked. Slowly, she walked through the indoor foliage with wary eyes darting back and forth. 

“I’m sorry that Flower Power hasn’t opened yet, but you can come back later.”

No response. 

She circled the store twice, then once more, but only found a large sunhat and gardening gloves. Venus shrugged off the giggling as she was too hungry to give much more effort. Adorning her garments, she tested if they prevented blooms. There were a couple of pale green splotches along her, but they were from the first sprouts and showed no sign of further blooms. With an impatient stomach and a time conscious mind, Venus hurried across the street to a small deli shop. The man working gave a warm smile as she came in and began making the usual order. Venus was as shockingly predictable as she was punctual. Relatively speaking of course.

“Never known ya to be a hat gal. Ant must’ve finally told ya to cover up that mug.”  The man joked. Venus gave a dry laugh as he bellowed at her stone-faced expression. 

“Come on, it’s just a tease. A jest really.” He said. 

“You always have such good jokes, Manny. Makes me wonder why business is always so slow around here” 

“Alright, alright. Take ya sub already.” The two swapped a source of bliss for a couple dollars. Venus unwrapped her food in front of him, nearly drooling at the sight of her meal and took a massive bite. 

She gagged on a rotten taste in her mouth.

Her eyes teared up at the feeling.

“You ok? I’ve never seen ya get emotional over a sub.” Manny asked. 

“I’m good, I’m good. Just bit off more than I can chew.” She said. He gave a hardy chuckle as the woozy woman hurried out of the store. Venus crossed the road to be swifty met with a particularly prickly customer. 

“So a sloppy sandwich is more important than my flowers?” Blanche asked. Venus bit her tongue, reminding herself that the customer is always right. 

“I’m expecting a significantly lower price.” Mrs. White said. 

“Maybe the customer isn’t always right.” Venus thought. 

The florist rang up Mrs. White’s flowers for a price most would consider highway robbery, including the florist. She wished Blanche a good rest of her day and the old lady responded with a disgruntled huff. 

Venus wanted to sneak away to find another food joint, but her job demanded her to stay inside. Flower after flower, hour after hour, she longed to close the shop’s doors. The customers would talk their usual chatter in between purchases, but Venus’s mind was preoccupied. Her hunger led the way to intrusive thoughts as she handled bouquets and flower orders. 

She never noticed how veiny their hands were.  

She never noticed how rosy ripe their skin looked. 

The last half hour came all too slow. Venus had finished her closing chores five times over because she had hoped she could leave early. However, a creak from the front door told her she had to stay a few minutes longer. A woman wiry as vines greeted Venus with an odd smile. 

“Welcome in. How can I help you?” Venus asked. The woman responded with a blank stare. At least, it seemed she did. Her dark bangs and darker glasses hid most of her face.

“Ma’am?” 

The woman responded with a tired sounding hello and introduced herself as Daisy. 

“I work just down the street at a flower shop of my own, but your plants are much prettier. I have got to know what you do.” 

“Oh, thank you.” Venus said. “I just have a green thumb and a passion for floral artistry.” Daisy leaned across the check-out counter, letting her earthy aroma waft around the two women. She eyed the florist’s garden gloves as she chuckled softly. 

“Are you hiding your green thumb in those?” 

“I’m sorry, but is there something I can help you with? I’m just not feeling well and was hoping to leave early.” Venus responded. 

Daisy sighed and dragged herself up off the countertop. 

“How careless. I just wanted to meet my work neighbors; you especially since we’re greenery girlies. You should check out my store when you’re feeling better.” She swayed to the door, seemingly struggling to move her feet. 

Venus wanted to reject her offer, but her stomach demanded she end the conversation quickly. The visitor stood by the door and wasn’t going to leave without acknowledgement. 

“I’ll have to stop by soon.”

“You promise?” 

“I promise.”

A new night’s wind threatened to blow her hat off as Venus walked home from work. It could have been from the lack of food or that a sudden cold front was blowing through the town. Either way, she hurried along the sidewalk before she froze to it. Venus was a step or two short of a full sprint when she saw her home’s front door. 

“I can’t remember the last time it was this cold, especially during spring.” The frigid woman thought as she rushed inside. She let the air conditioner blow warm air on her as a delicious scent drifted through the house. 

“Is that you, buttercup?” A voice called from the kitchen.

“Depends; which one of your lovers are you expecting?” Venus said as she shut the door. She walked towards the kitchen, but was cut off by a loving embrace of cotton. 

“I only want one lover in my life!” Anthony yelled as he scooped up his wife. He swung her around, rapidly kissing her neck and face. 

“Anthony, you brute!” Venus cried in between giggles. After a moment of yelps and play fighting, he placed her back on the ground. 

“Welcome home you busy bee. I hope you’re ready for dinner.” he said. 

“Wait, but it was my turn to cook and I wanted to make you something special.” Venus said. She continued to protest while Anthony brought her into the dining room where a large meal was waiting. There was a tray of meatloaf paired with bowls of mash potatoes and vegetables, all steaming with anticipation. Venus took a seat in a nearby chair while her husband made her a plate. 

“Thank you Ant, this is amazing, but you shouldn’t have.” She said. He poured Venus a glass of her favorite wine and took a seat next to her. 

“It was my fault that your plants got burned. I wanted to make it up to you.” 

“But I was so rude to you. Like, too rude.” 

“Yeah, that wasn’t great.” 

The couple laughed as they put their foreheads together. They exchanged a few soft sorrys and began to enjoy a delectable dinner. 

Except, Venus could not sallow one bite. 

Her stomach demanded satisfaction, but she couldn’t bear the homemade filth that sat on her plate. She tried to wash down the food with wine, but her favorite drink now tasted deadly. Anthony wore a peculiar expression when noticed his wife struggling to eat. Venus shrugged off her agony and floundered to think of an excuse. 

“If you don’t like it, you don’t need to eat it.” He said. His crow’s feet crinkled as Anthony smiled. Her face softened as she returned his expression. The two leaned in close and kissed. Venus felt the warmth of Anthony’s lips, the taste she could never get enough. 

Though, the iron flavor was new.

Anthony pulled back to reveal a gnash in his bottom lip. Venus leaned forward with her eyes locked on gleaming fresh maroon. She hadn’t remembered the last time her husband looked so alluring. 

“Seems you’re hungry for something else.” He said. The woman snapped out of her trance, though it wasn’t because of Anthony’s voice. It wasn’t because of his firm hands holding on to her.

It was the movement in her gloves. 

“I…I need a minute.” Venus abruptly said. She stood up, but Anthony’s hands still held her. 

“Hey, it’s ok. It doesn’t hurt.” He brought one of her hands to his cheek, but couldn’t see the restraint she was using. Her racing mind left her with short, shallow breaths. 

“I just…really need to use the bathroom.” He let go of her and stayed sat as Venus rushed to the hall bathroom. After triple checking that the door was locked, she pulled off her garden gloves. 

Flowers had sprouted along the backs of her hands. 

The tips of her fingers were shades of rose. Her nails now resembled withered thorns. 

Her new claws trembled as they gripped the sink for stability. 

“This isn’t happening, this isn’t happening.” 

Venus turned the faucet on and threw cold water into her face, hoping her eyes were playing a cruel trick on her. A few flowers fell off, but her dark thorns remained. Her frantic eyes locked on to the woman’s reflection and sharpened canines stared back, their tips wearing a fresh shine from their first puncture. 

“Is everything ok? I can get you anything if there’s a problem.” Venus whipped her head towards a voice calling from the other side of the door. Her mouth watered at the thought of bloodied lips so close. 

“No, yes. Yes. Just the food isn’t sitting right.” She said. It wasn’t until the sound of footsteps trailed off down the hall did Venus poke her head out the bathroom. Once she was sure Anthony went to their bedroom, she rushed to the kitchen. 

Dinner had been put into a few containers stacked inside the fridge. Venus raided its cabinets and gulped down the meatloaf. She forced a pile of gray mush next, then some vegetables. This desperate plan ended in expulsion with the kitchen sink taking the brunt of it all. She pushed the remains of dinner out from her throat when a noise piqued her morbid interest. Venus looked out of a nearby window and lying just below its ledge was a stray cat, maybe a couple years old. Drool dampened her mouth as she pushed the window open. 

The cat turned its head towards her.

“Come here, honey.”

She could hardly sit still as her meal crept closer and closer. 

When the stray was a foot or two away, Venus snatched it up by the neck and dragged in her prey. She pushed her hands around the cat’s mouth, squeezing tight to stop the sound of defiance. She could feel the strained bands of muscle as she stretched the creature’s body. Venus’s hungry canines took aim like a serpent upon its next victim. They rushed down, demanding the flesh of their prey

Then she stopped.

She stopped and cried.

Her grip loosened, giving the cat a chance to escape out the window. With a hiss, it leapt away and left her alone in her misery. As tears streamed down her face, she heard a voice. 

“Anthony, I know I must look crazy, but…” Venus trailed off because there was no sign of him. There wasn’t a sign of anyone nearby and yet the voice persisted. She looked through watery eyes, peering around every nook and cranny of the house, but there was no one. It wasn’t until she passed a potted plant in the hallway did a thought strike her. 

“I must be crazy.” 

Kneeling down, she could hear the potted plant’s voice grow dull. “You’re not actually talking, right?” Venus asked aloud. The plant responded with silence. She sat on the ground and rubbed her eyes, half hoping everything would be fine. 

“Water.” 

The woman froze as she looked at the plant.

“Water.” 

While it showed no sign of it, she knew that plant was talking. Venus got a glass of water and poured it into the soil. She looked closely at the plant, searching for something, anything, to prove she wasn’t losing it. A moment or two of nothing passed and she began to worry. To calm her nerves, she grabbed another cup of water, relieved that it too didn’t taste vile. Her hands returned to their normal state as she drank, void of sharp edges and discoloration. Venus prayed that this meant she was manageable, despite the hunger remaining. While she readied for bed, she thought about her “condition”. 

“This had to have been from that plant. It pricked me, I know it did. If it can grow in my backyard, surely I can find some nearby.” 

Venus could see a dry patch on her husband’s lip. 

“I just need some time and I can figure this out.” She slowly drifted to sleep, hoping for a better tomorrow and her quandary resolved. 

A new morning called out to Venus with a faint song. Rubbing away the grainy reminisce of slumber from her eyes, she followed the melody throughout the house. She ended her search in the sunken living room where her husband was sat near a record player. He had the television set to a station reporting recent crimes nearby. 

“Good morning, Ant. Good morning, sad box.” Venus yawned. She slumped onto Anthony’s lap and nestled her head into his shoulder. 

“What about your little sad box in the kitchen? It also shares news.” Anthony asked after a good morning kiss 

“That’s why I keep the station to news I like.”

“So clever. Are you feeling any better?” 

 “Yup…I…uh.”

Venus was too distracted to come out with an excuse. The television was broadcasting a reporter sharing accounts of cannibal attempts occurring in nearby towns. 

“A few individuals had been charged for battery and one for murder.” The reporter started. “The suspects were found hiding in bushes and dense foliage, using flowers to hide themselves. If you can, avoid suspicious looking flowers, as it may save your life.” 

Venus didn’t realize she was shaking until a strong hand held her thigh. 

“Don’t worry. No one is gonna get you, buttercup.” 

Her fangs bit her mouth shut.  

A pair of grumbles interrupted their broadcast, telling the couple it was time for breakfast. Anthony slid his wife off him and on to the couch as he asked for her breakfast order. 

“There’s eggs, oatmeal, cereal.”

“I’ll just have some water.” 

Venus cracked a smile that Anthony was less than accepting of. He gave her a few more suggestions, but when he was met with “just water please” for the third time, he agreed. As he brewed a pot of joe and poured a glass of water, Anthony asked Venus if she’d like to join him downtown for errand shopping. 

“We’re almost out of eggs and flour, not to mention you’re running out of shampoo.” Venus agreed with the addition of another stop. 

“I want to pop by Daisy Chain. The owner came by yesterday and I promised I’d visit her.” Her husband nodded in agreement as he handed her a cup of water. Anthony drank his coffee as the television played, not noticing his wife pouring her water into a nearby plant pot.

The Maw couple made their way into town with light banter about the Mrs’s choice of fashion. 

“It’s supposed to be cloudy all day. Aren’t sun hats meant for sunny days?” Anthony wiggled the end of her hat.

“This coming from the guy who wears business casual everyday.” Venus tugged at his shirt pocket.

“Keyword being casual, which means everyday wear. Does it not?” His wife simply rolled her eyes and tried to hide her smile.

 As they walked along the sidewalk, Venus stopped by a building covered in overgrown vines. Wild plants sat in cracked pots that faced the front window. The only indication that the place wasn’t abandoned was a familiar lady cleaning inside. Anthony walked a few steps forward, but stopped when Venus called to him. 

“Hold on.” She started. “I think this is Daisy Chain.” 

“This is where you wanted to stop by?” Her husband asked as he looked the building up and down.

“She stopped by my shop yesterday, so why not?’ 

Anthony agreed, but told her he was going on ahead to the store. With a kiss goodbye, he walked away as Venus stood staring at him for a moment or two. She forced herself to turn away from him, knowing she would’ve stayed in that spot all day if allowed. Venus opened the door and was struck with a pungent aroma. The door creaked loudly to inform the owner she had a visitor. 

“Oh, hello neighbor.” Daisy said. She let her broom fall to the ground as she walked, or moreso slumped, towards Venus. 

“Hey! I just wanted to pop by and check out your shop.” Venus’s eyes darted from one bizarre plant to another. “You have such unique breeds here.” Daisy laughed as she slowly raised her hands to clap in delight, but left them hanging just before they’d touch. 

“Most of them aren’t locals. I grow them from seeds my family sends me.” 

Suspicion crept into her mind when Venus asked “Where does your family live?” 

Far, far away was Daisy’s only response and she only repeated this when requested to elaborate. Venus wanted to question this further, but a customer came in. She was a plump woman, maybe in her early forties, with cheeks as red ripe as cherries. 

“Hiya, come in.” Daisy said as she gestured her in. 

“Good afternoon. I saw succulents in the window and was wondering how much they were.” The two began to discuss prices, leaving Venus to explore the rest of the shop. Most of the plants wore shades of sage and were accented by darkened browns. She tightened her gloves as she looked around the dying grove. 

“They’re as dry as tumbleweeds.” Venus thought. Her face stayed disinterested until she heard a voice behind a large shrub. When she peered through the foliage, she saw a flower too familiar to be anything else. Just to be sure though, she dug her hands into its soil. Once she felt the bat-like roots, she knew what flower it was. 

“I don’t remember its color being this light, but everything else matches.” Venus thought. 

As soon as the customer left, Venus called Daisy over to ask about the plant. 

“This flower here is beautiful. Was this sent by your family?” The owner crouched down close and stared even closer through her dark glasses. 

“I don’t know what that is.” Daisy said.

“Excuse me?”

“Really, I mean it. I call them ichor roses, but I don’t know their actual name. There must’ve been seeds in the soil I use, though, because these have been sprouting in every pot.”

“This had to be.” Venus thought. “Whatever weed this is, it’s the devil that pricked me.” 

“Since it’s just a weed, why don’t I take it off your hands? In fact, I’ll take all the ichor roses you have.” She offered. Daisy agreed and gave her customer a bouquet of them for about five dollars. With her specimens found, Venus walked away to join Anthony at the store, knowing soon this nightmare would be over. 

After their day of grocery shopping, the Maw couple returned home to unpack their purchases. Venus put away a few pounds of meat into the refrigerator and tried not to think of her husband. Him trying to have a conversation didn’t help any. 

“Hey, Ant.” Venus abruptly said. “I need to head over to Flower Power. I forgot to check up on my perennials. 

“Oh, ok. I’ll take care of things here then.” he said. His wife hurriedly left with ichor roses in hand as Anthnoy gave her an odd stare. 

Venus planted each flower into its own pot as she thought about how she could cure herself. She stared at the roses until she realized who she needed help from. The florist spun to face all of the plants in her shop and asked for any suggestions. Venus waited for a moment or two, then a little moment longer. A long while of silence went by before she gave up on the store’s plants. 

“I should test if these flowers are the ones that pricked me just to be safe.” She thought. “Donors for a vampire injection may be hard to find, though.” Venus stood pondering her options when she heard noise from outside. A couple of old, stray cats were roaming the empty streets. They all were limping and seemed curled up on death’s doorstep, at least that’s what she told herself. 

With a shallow pot of water in one hand and a few roses in the other, Venus went out to the strays. They were skittish at first, but warmed up to her when she brought them fresh water. A gray cat brushed its fur against Venus’s leg while the rest drank from their new pot. She kneeled down to scratch its ear, distracting the stray from the thorn’s puncture. A small bead of blood revealed a successful strike. The other cats straggled over and Venus repeated the process. Curiosity poked at her mind; she knew a few pricked pussycats meant nothing. 

Hurried steps carried her home, antsy to get meat for her test subjects. The lights inside were shut off and the only noise she could hear was humming from the AC unit. Venus walked down the hall as she checked her watch, knowing Anthony should have been home by then. 

“How are the plants?” A voice asked from a dark table. Venus dropped her flowers in a panic, three of them withering when they hit the floor. Sitting in low light with a book and glass of wine sat Anthony, still dressed in his clothes from earlier. 

“Oh god! What the hell are you doing?” Venus yelled as she picked up her plants. 

“I wanted to wait for you. We haven’t kissed goodnight yet.”

“Idiot” She thought. “You just REALLY surprised me.” Venus said. Her husband got up from his seat, his serious eyes locked on hers. 

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, yes.”

“You can tell me anything.”

“I know hun. Everything’s ok.” The two kissed goodnight and as Anthony began to leave, Venus pulled him into another kiss. She gave him a warm smile as she squeezed his hand with both of her’s. The man cracked a grin, but his eyes stayed solemn. He only left when his wife told him she’d be in bed very soon. When she was certain he wouldn’t come out of their room, Venus took a small cut of meat from the fridge and left. 

The old cats were still lapping up their water when she returned to Flower Power. Venus tore off a piece of meat and placed it near them. Anticipation filled her as a black cat sniffed at the offering. After what felt like centuries, the old stray ate it and simply meowed for more. She tore off more pieces to feed each cat. 

They all purred in delight. 

“No, no.” Venus thought. “At the very least they shouldn’t be awake.” She stared down at the ichor roses she held. Taking one of their stems into her other hand, she pressed her fingers into its thorns till blood trickled out. The moonlight illuminated her fresh wounds as the flower fell to the ground. 

The scars remained. After half an hour, the scars still remained.

Venus went inside her shop, slamming the door shut. She pushed her back against it and rubbed her fingers into her injured palm. 

“I’ll spend all night here if needed.”

Night turned into day. Day turned into another night as time quickly passed. Customers would come by the shop during its usual open times, but a closed sign always faced them. Less and less people stopped by the more unkempt Flower Power became. The one regular who kept coming back was Anthony. He would show up at least three times a day, with meals no one ate. He tried a new way to get into the shop every time he visited once he realized Venus wasn’t going to return his calls. Everyday she watched him search for his missing wife. She shuddered at the thought of their reunion.  

When the third week came, quiet giggles could be heard throughout the building. The only noise the owner made, however, were grunts oozing with malice. Using wing-like hands, Venus pushed past the floral frenzy, clenching a single ichor rose in one fist. Her bloodshot eyes stared out from under her drippy hat. A light from a nearby shop taunted the woman. She snarled her yellowing fangs at the sight and threw her door open. She knew there was only one option left. 

Daisy was sat behind her desk when she saw a concealed figure enter Daisy Chain. “H…hello?”

The woman dragged herself to the desk, glaring at the florist. 

“How?” 

“Wh…what?” Daisy asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Don’t act innocent!” Venus cried. She held the flower towards the owner. “This is because of YOU!”

Daisy began to step away, but froze when Venus slammed a claw onto the desk. Her fingers were attached by a thin layer of skin that easily covered the desk. She threw off her hat with her other claw, revealing a primal appearance. The beast flared her upturned nostrils as she took in a deep breath. 

“Your weeds turned me into this.” Her teeth gleamed in the store’s light as she spoke. The florist tried to explain she didn’t know anything, but it wasn’t good enough for Venus. She shook the plant at her and demanded answers. Daisy’s repeated answers tip the monster over the edge.

Venus threw herself onto Daisy, grabbing her by the collar of her shirt and pinning her to the ground. She slammed her into the ground over and over as she shrieked at the florist. 

“CHANGE ME BACK! CHANGE ME BACK!” 

Daisy didn’t respond. 

Venus raised her claw and struck the woman across the face. She did this over and over, but still no response. As she readied her claw again, an iron smell whisked by her nose. A pool of crimson had built up behind Daisy’s body, her leaking skull acting as its source. This was the last thing Venus remembered before her hunger took over. 

When she came to, disgust and guilt piled thick and hard into her throat. Tears mirrored fresh drops of blood falling from the woman’s lips. Venus bent over her prey’s remains, reaching for a severed rib. She struggled to hold the bone. With shaking hands, she raised the rib to her forehead. Venus took a few deep breaths, then screamed as she staked her weapon against her skull. It shattered on impact, leaving her breathing rapidly. A small scar was left where it struck her, but no blood dripped out. Venus grabbed another bone and struck herself again. 

And again. 

And again. 

Venus wrapped her arms around herself, trying to comfort her grieving mind. A cold shiver ran along her spine as an idea whispered to her. The beast knew it’ll only work if he knows she’d killed someone. 

If she isn’t herself anymore. 

Venus pushed together the remains of Daisy and grasped what she could by her bare feet. With a few strong flaps from her wing-like claws, she flew through the store windows and took to the night sky. Anxiety clung to her mind, telling Venus to hide. Every drip from the carcass countered she won’t have to live with her guilt for long. 

“Please don’t recognize me.” 

The beast grew closer and closer to the Maw’s house until she was directly above it. Taking in a night’s air, Venus slowly flew down to the backyard. She couldn’t tell what parts of Daisy she was holding anymore. 

The corpse touched the ground first and Venus soon followed. As she landed near the remains, a bright light exposed her crime. A figure she recognized all too well stepped in front of the light, his pistol silhouetted. 

“Finally.” 

She could hear the sounds of the safety turning off. Her eyes shut as she slumped to the ground, her claws sliding into the soft soil. Bloody wails forced her eyes to open, as shrieking blades of grass jetted forward, slashing through parts of Anthony’s clothes. The sharp serpents stretched themselves along his arm, fighting for his gun. Her body was going to fight, whether she wanted it to or not.

He twisted the pistol towards the ground and fired at where the grass sprouted from. Debris scattered, spreading dust clouds around the yard. Venus began to raise her claws to stop the restraints when a burning pain shot through her shoulder. A deep roar bellowed from the beast as wild eyes pierced through the earthy mist. They locked onto his wounds leaking red through green chains. One arm was still ensnared while the other was struggling to hold his pistol. 

The sight of blood took over her hope of release, contorting Venus into a hungered fiend. She fling herself towards Anthony, fangs bared and ready. Her jaw was met with cold iron, taking it from his hand and breaking its barrel. The man tried to grab hold of the wicked woman, but more grass latched onto his arms. Venus struck at him again, but Anthony threw his arms in front of her fangs. 

Deep scars were etched into flesh through the flora.

She’d forgotten how delicious he tasted.  

With his chains weakened, Anthony threw his weight against Venus and gripped the sides of her body with his legs. In an attempt to beat his advisor off, he thrashed his arms against her teeth. She sunk them deeper and deeper, threatening to break bone one if she bit hard enough. With one final bash, Anthony forced her jaws to loosen and she stumbled back. He sprinted towards the door, but he wasn’t fast enough. 

Venus lunged forward on all fours and tackled him into the house. They rolled around, struggling to pin the other. Venus cried screams of bloodlust at every twist and turn. She fought and bit and clawed for what seemed like hours. The drops of agony falling from above only fueled her further. Through bloodshot eyes, Venus saw Anthony above her with his shaking hands holding hers to the floor. The man looked down at her with silent prayers. 

“Please.” He said. “Please.” Her eyes widened as more tears fell on her, bringing Venus out of her craze. 

“What?” She said. She could barely hear her own voice and yet a response still came.

“Please just kill me.” His voice cracked as he shut his eyes. “Please.”

“No. No, no.” Venus began to squirm. “I’ll…I’ll kill you if you don’t.” Anthony kept his eyes shut. 

“I’m a monster, a MONSTER!” His grip loosen. 

“You are so much stronger than me! PLEASE!”

He gently pushed himself off her. She screamed in unyielding defiance. 

“Please, you NEED to end this! PLEASE!”

 Eyes still closed, Anthony sat on his knees and placed his hands firmly on his legs. Venus stumbled for his hands, tightly clenching hold of them. Shaking claws brought them up to her forehead as Venus pleaded. She pleaded over and over until her throat was raw. 

“Venus.” His voice was steady. 

She threw her head up to face him and was met with a warm smile. She furrowed her brows as she cried meekly. 

“No, no. You don’t know me.” Anthony pulled their clasped hands down as he kissed his wife’s forehead. 

“I tried to believe that, but I couldn’t. Even through violent eyes and rapid snarls, you’re still my buttercup.” Her sorrow spilt out as she collapsed onto his knees. 

“But…but I’m not your buttercup. You don’t deserve to live with the husk of your wife.”

“Then we won’t live.”

Anthony was the first to stand up and offered a hand to his wife. Venus’s sobs soon calmed as she agreed with a long claw. As she stood up, her legs shook and could barely hold her own weight. She fell into her husband’s chest, his heart beating quickly. The couple held one another as they walked towards the kitchen. Anthony lifted Venus onto the countertop with his strong hands. He kept his hands on her hip as she pressed her head into his shoulder. The two slowly pulled themselves away and gazed upon the other, remembering the first time they agreed to be one.

“Do you remember what we said that night?” Anthony asked. 

He reached into the drawer and pulled out a knife.

“Till death do us part.” Venus said. 

She held the sides of his head with her claws

The Maw couple kissed as they readied themselves. Venus broke away first, smiling through her tears and Anthony followed suit. With sharpened love, their two beating hearts gave one last thud in unison.