Winner

Carl took a deep breath, centering himself, then walked backwards down the hall to the competition display case (using a compact mirror from his wife's purse to guide him). Jean asked him if he needed any help, but he waved her off - reminding her to not look or move down the hallway until he had yelled that it was clear. "Right," Carl whispered to himself, reaching the case and opening it, using the mirror to find where the rose in question stood tall and imposing in its vase (black with etched snake skin pattern). Looking only into the mirror, Carl used his other hand to place a silk tent over the arrangement, obscuring it from view, careful to grab the Special Honors ribbon and affix it to the tent. When he'd covered it, ensuring the tent was opaque enough, he turned to face his handiwork and called to Jean. "It's safe now!" he said at full voice (suddenly realizing that he'd been holding his breath). "So that's it, then," Jean whispered, appearing at his side. "That's it," he confirmed. "Is it really as beautiful as they say?" she asked. "The Medusa Rose is a deep red with emerald green spirals on each petal and a glow of iridescence on the leaves and stem; it is the most amazing thing you will ever see, but it is not worth the price," Carl answered her, locking the case. "The price?" Jean pressed, longing to have a peek. "Insanity and death," he explained. "Now, go on, Jean. Go home." After she'd left, Carl finished cleaning and locked the horticulture building. Looking back as he walked away, Carl said a prayer for Haran Tell, the gentleman who'd create the Medusa Rose and grown one for the competition. "First ribbon awarded posthumously," he whispered, getting into his car.