Chapter 2

THE BOTANIST'S YEARNING

In the quiet town of Floren, nestled amidst rolling hills and vibrant meadows, Leo spent his days tending to plants, his heart filled with a longing for connection that went beyond the blooms and foliage he so dearly loved. The small cottage he called home was a testament to his passion, overflowing with greenery that thrived under his careful attention.

Leo, with his soft chestnut hair and warm hazel eyes, was an optimist at heart. He found joy in the small wonders of the world, from the first light of dawn filtering through the leaves to the delicate dance of petals in the breeze. Despite his contentment with the natural world, there was a part of him that yearned for something more—a grand love story to call his own. A love like the one his parents shared, which had produced him, his brothers, and a host of grandchildren. His family often treated him like he didn't desire those same things because he was gay, but nothing was further from the truth. Leo wanted it all. He knew he had so much love to give. He was simply waiting for the right man to come along.

One evening, as the sun set and blanketed the garden in a golden glow, Leo sat with his parents, Senem and Leonard, on the porch of their family home, which was much larger than his cottage. They shared a pot of tea, the air around them filled with the scent of blooming jasmine.

"Leo," his mother, Senem, began, her voice tinged with concern, "you spend so much time with your plants. We worry about you. Have you thought about finding someone to share your life with?"

Leo smiled softly, his eyes reflecting his mother's worry. "I know you're concerned, Mom. But I believe love will find me when the time is right. Until then, I find solace in my work."

She chose not to comment with words however, her face spoke volumes. Leonard, his father, leaned forward, his expression serious. "Son, we understand your passion for botany, but there's more to life than plants. You deserve companionship, someone who understands and complements you."

Leo's gaze shifted to the garden, the place where he felt most at home. "I know, Dad. I've always hoped for a connection that's as natural and profound as the one I have with my plants, one as strong as the one you and Mom share. But it's not something I can force. It has to happen organically. Pun intended," Leo said chuckling.

"You really think this is something to joke about? You are not getting any younger, mister," his father said.

"I also don't have one foot in the grave, Dad. Come on. Believe me, I take my future seriously. I know what I want and what I need. I have faith. I just wish you had some in me."

Senem reached out and took Leo's hand, her touch gentle but firm. "You have so much love to give, Leo. Don't be afraid to open your heart. Sometimes, you need to take the first step."

Leo nodded, his thoughts turning inward. He had always been the caretaker, the one who nurtured and tended. But deep down, he knew there was a dominant side to his personality, a part of him that longed to lead, to guide someone with the same care and attention he gave his plants.

"Mom, Dad," Leo said, his voice resolute, "I appreciate your concern. I do want to find love, but it has to be with someone who understands me, someone who respects my passion and sees the world as I do."

Leonard smiled, his eyes softening. "We just want you to be happy, Leo. You have a kind heart and a strong spirit. The right person will see that and love you for it."

Leo looked at his parents, gratitude and love in his eyes—a reflection of what he saw in theirs. These conversations always had the potential to go sideways and turn into a battle of sorts. Hi mother would cry. His father would yell. And Leo, well, he would turn to his plants and retreat in on himself even more.

"Thank you. I promise I'm not giving up on love. I just need to find someone who sees me for who I am, someone who can appreciate the beauty in the small things, just like I do."

As the evening wore on, the three of them sat in companionable silence. Leo's heart was still heavy with yearning, but he felt a renewed sense of determination. He would continue to care for his plants, but he would also keep his heart open, ready for the day when love would find him.

In the days that followed, Leo threw himself into his work with renewed vigor. He tended to his garden with the same meticulous care, but now there was a hint of anticipation in his every action. He spent more time in the town, engaging with the people, offering his expertise and sharing his love for botany. He reached out to a former professor and considered spending more time at the university research facilities. His parents had been right about one thing: It would be hard for love to find him if he continued to stay to himself, talking only to his plants. He carried their words with him, a reminder to stay open to the possibilities of love. And as the seasons changed, Leo remained hopeful, believing that one day, he would find the connection he yearned for—a love as profound and enduring as the plants he nurtured.

In the stillness of the garden, under the watchful gaze of the stars, Leo whispered a silent promise to himself. He would not settle for anything less than a love that saw him, understood him, and cherished him for who he was. And when that love came, he would be ready to embrace it with all the passion and tenderness he had to offer.