"I'll send you flowers next year," he said.
"If only this flower blooms again," she said.
If he is willing to come back, even if it is a wandering love affair, even if it is a chance encounter; if she can wait, even if it is a prodigal son, even if it is a business.
If this flower blooms again, I will send you flowers next year.
His promise for the coming year, her promise for the coming year.
Later, there were catkins and shadows just by the water, and it was rare for them to please themselves and others.