Forbidden Flower

Vanessa had just woken up from her afternoon nap and was lying comfortably on her bed, scrolling through her phone when her mother walked into the room.

She glanced at her daughter and shook her head with a small smile.

“Vanessa, you're still not dressed?” she asked.

“We’re all invited to your father’s business partner’s house, and you know we can’t afford to be late.”

Vanessa looked up from her phone and smiled at her mother. “I know, Mum. I just don't know what to wear.” She looked at the clothes scattered across her bed as though they had personally offended her.

Her mother laughed softly and walked over to her. “You know you look beautiful in almost anything you wear. Stop stressing about it and just pick something.” She gave Vanessa a gentle pat on the shoulder before walking toward the door. “You have a few minutes. I’ll be downstairs.”

“Okay, Mum,” Vanessa called after her, finally getting out of bed.

A little while later, Vanessa came downstairs dressed for the evening. The moment she saw her father waiting by the door, she walked over and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Daddy, you look so handsome,” she said, making him laugh.

“And you look beautiful as always,” her father replied, pulling her into a brief hug.

Her mother joined them, and before long, the three of them were laughing over one of her father’s silly jokes.

Vanessa loved moments like this. She had always been close to her parents, and growing up, she had never had to question whether she was loved. She was their only daughter, their little princess, and they made sure she never lacked anything.

Whatever she wanted, within reason, her parents found a way to give her. But beyond the gifts and comfortable life they provided, it was the love between them that Vanessa treasured the most.

They eventually left the house and settled into the car. Vanessa sat in the back seat while her parents were in front, and the soft sound of music played through the speakers. They had barely driven for a while when her father glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

“So, birthday girl,” he said teasingly, “have you started thinking about what you want for your eighteenth birthday?”

Vanessa laughed. “Daddy, my birthday is still months away.”

“That doesn't answer my question,” he replied, laughing. “You know I need time to prepare.”

Her mother turned slightly toward her from the passenger seat. “Your father is already planning to spoil you again.”

“Maybe I want something simple this year,” Vanessa said, pretending to think seriously about it.

Her father immediately laughed. “Simple? From you? I don't believe that for a second.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes, and the three of them continued talking and joking about her upcoming birthday. She listened to her father suggest different ideas while her mother added her own suggestions. Vanessa smiled throughout the conversation, feeling completely content.

The drive continued peacefully until, without warning, her father pressed down on the brakes to avoid the truck that coming opposite their

Nothing happened.

He tried again.

Still nothing.

His expression changed almost immediately.

“What's wrong?” Vanessa's mother asked, noticing the panic on his face.

“The brakes,” he said, his voice suddenly tense. “They're not working.”

Vanessa's smile disappeared.

“What?”

Her father tried desperately to control the car, but it was already moving too fast. Vanessa heard her mother scream her name as everything seemed to happen at once. The car swerved, and the world around her became a blur.

Then Vanessa saw her father's face.

For just a second, despite the fear in his eyes, he looked back at her and gave her a small smile.

A smile she would remember for the rest of her life.

“Mum!” Vanessa screamed.

Her mother turned around and, without hesitation, threw herself backward, using her own body to shield Vanessa from the impact.

There was a loud crash.

Vanessa felt herself being thrown forward.

Then everything went dark.