Fractious (adjective): quarrelsome, causing disagreement

“Honestly, I kinda hate it.”

The voice, soft and high-pitched, surged from her beautiful mouth like an unexpected flood. Tipping her large sunhat up to reveal disappointment in her green eyes, the flower shop’s owner frowned deeply at the floral arrangement.

The older woman standing before her was stunned.

Bubble-gum pink hair twirled through the young girl’s fingers like strands of ribbon. “I honestly can’t tell what’s wrong with it. Maybe it’s the yellow roses? …I don’t like the leaves, either.” The harsh words emerging from such a sweet appearance was unnerving.

“Hmm, I already spent several hours on this one. I’ll come back tomorrow and fix it, is that okay with you?” The woman held tightly to her leash of temper.

A sudden look of disgust ripped apart the half-fake smile as the girl spun around. “What? I’ve got exams to study for, and the flowers are gonna wilt by then. You’re asking for too much.”

“Well… I guess they’ll wilt,” the older woman told her, the air of finality striking firm with her deep voice. “Listen, young lady. I came here to help you because you asked for it, and I thought you were passionate about this business. Let’s just hope that your attitude can grow to be as pretty as these flowers one day.”

With that, she turned on her heels and left without another look.