THOSE WHO DIE by t. santitoro

A young nobleman's first sexual encounter is arranged by his father, to couple with a sentient plant being, a flauna-form. The youth unexpectedly falls in love with the plant/animal girl, and becomes totally addicted to her, fully knowing that—like the rest of her species—she only has one day to live.
 
When the object of his love at last roots herself to her home planet and becomes comatose for all eternity, the young man finds himself trapped in a state of incurable loss, unable to get her out of his mind.
 
Just by chance, he later discovers part of the flauna-form clinging to his clothes, and plants the leaf in his garden at home, tending a new version of flauna-form, hoping to one day find—and be reunited with—his lost beloved.
 
This is a story of tragedy, danger and moral decline, a Frankenstein-esque tale of creating that which threatens one's very existence.