Petunia | Bloom Time

“No,” Elara said, settling into her rocker. “They’re just finishing their shift.”

Elara was in the kitchen, making tea. She didn’t say “I’m sorry.” She didn’t say “He’s in a better place.” She just handed Leo the snips. petunia bloom time

“The petunias need deadheading,” Elara said, handing him a small pair of snips. Her hands were maps of veins and wrinkles, her eyes the same purple as the flowers. “No,” Elara said, settling into her rocker

Elara understood what most people forgot: a petunia does not bloom for a season. It blooms for an appointment. “The petunias need deadheading,” Elara said, handing him

He pulled out his phone. 8:46 p.m. He looked out the window at the darkening sky. He thought of a single purple star, holding itself open against the laws of its own nature. It wasn't broken. It was brave.