Prompted Monday – Why are the flowers glowing?

Today’s random prompt is to start with this line: “Why are the flowers glowing?”

“Mother, why are the flowers glowing?”

“Go ask your father.”

“He told me to ask you.”

“Then go ask your grandfather. I’m busy making dinner so we don’t all starve.”

“Father said he was busy making money so we wouldn’t all starve.” Stella put her hands on her hips. “Fine, I’ll go ask Grandfather.” She stomped out to the garden where her grandfather sat in a rocking chair under a gigantic oak tree.

When he saw her approach, he motioned for her to sit on his knee. “You look concerned. Is something troubling you?”

Her curls bounced when her head nodded vigorously. “Yes. It’s the flowers. Why are they glowing?”

“Glowing? Oh, no. You’re mistaken.” He waved his arm around the garden. “None of the flowers here are glowing.”

Her curls bounced again as she shook her head. “Not here, Grandfather. In the forest.”

He pushed her off his knee and grabbed her hand. “We have to warn the others.”

“Warn about what?”

“The poison is spreading. It’s time to go into isolation in the shelter.”

“But why?”

“If we don’t, the poison will kill us. You didn’t touch any of the flowers, did you?”

She put one hand behind her. “Um, no, maybe.” She hung her head. “Am I going to die?”

“Not if I can get the salve on you soon enough. Run!”