Shrike

A 4,151-word / 11-page short story in PDF format.

Wren longs to experience a romance worthy of her favorite novels; lacking any prospects for herself, she is willing to help Valentine, a true loverboy, when she hears him crying for a red rose to impress his lady love. The red roses are gone for winter, but Valentine still needs something red and beautiful. How much will Wren give to make the loverboy's dreams become real life?