A vase of fresh flowers appears on the dining table. Stems stand upright in clear water, petals spread wide in reds, yellows, and whites. The arrangement looks full and lively under morning light.
During the first couple of days, the flowers maintain their form. Colors stay vivid, and the water remains mostly full. The setup draws the eye as a steady table feature.
Over the next few days, the water level in the vase drops bit by bit. Lower leaves touch the surface first, then soften and curl. Stems start to lean inward as the water recedes further.
By the end of the week, petals loosen and fall to the table. Colors dull to soft browns and grays. The once-compact bunch spreads out loosely, occupying more space in a slumped shape.
What begins as a tight, colorful cluster on the table drifts into a loose, faded form. The vase holds a changing display, shifting with the water's slow retreat.