Chereads / Forsaking Nature / Chapter 5 - 5

Chapter 5 - 5

When you finally walk into your apartment, you're hit with the familiar fragrance of flowers. That's thanks to your grandma, who is also Powered. Her special ability enables her to communicate with plants, so as far back as you can remember, Grandma has filled your home with every kind of flower and foliage imaginable. Your apartment has always felt like a lush greenhouse, and you couldn't imagine it any other way.

You drop your bag near the door and approach your favorite flower:

Bronzina is a bronze-rusted rose from a species with metallic foliage that Grandma has spent years breeding. You lean in to get a whiff of the rose, which always smells faintly of caramel—another one of Grandma's unique touches.

"I'm afraid Bronzina has been especially cross with me today," Grandma says, entering the living room. "I had to de-thorn her this morning and now she feels particularly vulnerable. You know how roses get about their thorns, such a sore point."

"Well, tell Bronzina I think she's still a stunner, thorns or no thorns," you say, approaching Grandma. You know Grandma better than anyone, so you'd describe her style as…

Grandma mostly cares about tending her plants, so she wears overalls with gardening tools in the pockets and keeps her hair tied back at all times. You kiss her hello, then step back and point to the new video game you've brought home.

"Another whopping Virtuous Reality deposit to add to the pot."

"Every little bit helps, you know that," Grandma says. "Now if only I could teach one of these little darlings to start growing money for leaves…"

"If anyone can do it, it's you, Gran," you say, walking toward the kitchen. "What are we having for dinner? I'm starving."

But you stop short as you see the feast laid out on the kitchen table. It appears Grandma has cooked your favorite meal!

"Happy Birthday," she says with a grin, hugging your side.

One Hour Later