The Geraniums Still Bloom for Canela

A fictional remembrance story set in Spain.

Every morning in Seville, Lucía opened the doors of her small dressmaking studio, and Canela, her gentle podenco, settled beneath the cutting table.

For thirteen years, Canela listened to the sound of scissors, music from the radio and conversations drifting in from the street. When Lucía worked late, Canela stayed beside her until the final light was turned off.

After Canela passed away, the studio became painfully quiet. Lucía kept looking beneath the table, expecting to see those familiar amber eyes.

She chose a FurLunea Floral Pet Memorial Plaque and placed it in the courtyard among the red geraniums where Canela loved to sleep in the afternoon sun.

It was personalised with her photograph and the words:

Canela

You made every ordinary day beautiful.

Now, whenever the geraniums bloom, Lucía carries one flower into the studio and places it beside Canela’s photograph.

The room is still quieter than before, but it no longer feels empty.

Canela is remembered in every dress Lucía finishes, every song on the radio and every flower opening beneath the Spanish sun.