"The Flowers" is a short story written by Alice Walker, an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Color Purple." "The Flowers" was first published in 1973 as part of her collection of short stories titled "In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women." The story is about a young African American girl named Myop who goes on a journey through the woods near her home. While she is out exploring, she comes across some beautiful flowers and happily picks them. However, her innocent adventure takes a dark turn when she stumbles upon a horrifying discovery that forces her to confront the harsh realities of the world around her. Walker's story explores themes of innocence, loss of innocence, and the harshness of the world, particularly for African Americans in the rural South. It's a poignant and thought-provoking tale that resonates with readers long after they finish reading it.