Things placed in vases

Once upon a time, in a bustling flower shop, there was a beautiful vase named Violet. Violet was known for her impeccable style and grace, but she always felt incomplete without flowers to hold. One day, as the florist was arranging a bouquet of vibrant sunflowers, Violet asked, “Why do you put flowers in me?”

The florist replied, “Well, Violet, these are the stems of the flowers. They hold the blooms up and help them get the water they need to stay fresh and beautiful.”

Violet was impressed. She had never realized the importance of stems before. From then on, every time flowers were placed in her, she felt a sense of pride for holding such essential components of the bouquet.

Years went by, and Violet had held a countless number of stems. But one day, a clueless customer walked in and asked the florist, “Excuse me, what are the things placed in vases?”

The florist thought for a moment and replied, “Ah, you mean stems!”

And that’s how the humble stem became known as the answer to the crossword clue ‘Things placed in vases.’