Chapter 33 - The Garden Truce
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Spring arrived, bringing warm weather and blooming flowers to the backyard.
Claire was on her knees in the dirt, aggressively pulling weeds from the tomato garden. She wore old gardening gloves and a faded t-shirt, completely absorbed in the physical labor.
Evelyn sat on the patio in her wheelchair, a blanket draped over her lap, watching Claire work.
"You are pulling the healthy shoots along with the weeds," Evelyn observed quietly.
Claire stopped, wiping sweat from her forehead with the back of her arm. She looked at the pile of discarded green stems.
"I know," Claire sighed, sitting back on her heels. "I'm just tired. The renovation project downtown is stalling because of permit issues. I'm taking it out on the tomatoes."
Evelyn wheeled herself slightly closer to the edge of the patio.
"You cannot force a process that requires patience, Claire," Evelyn said, her voice unusually gentle. "Whether it is building a house, or growing a garden. Or..." she paused, looking down at her paralyzed hand. "Or healing."
Claire looked at her mother-in-law, really looking at her. The imperious, terrifying woman who had nearly destroyed their marriage was gone, replaced by a fragile, reflective old woman trying to make peace with her limitations.
"It's hard to be patient when you just want things to be fixed," Claire admitted softly.
"I know," Evelyn whispered. "I spent my entire life trying to fix everything by force. I broke more things than I ever repaired."
It was the closest thing to a full confession Evelyn had ever offered.
Claire stood up, dusting off her knees. She walked over to the patio and sat on the steps beside Evelyn’s wheelchair.
"We're fixing things now," Claire said, resting her hand lightly on Evelyn’s arm.
May you like
Evelyn looked at Claire’s hand, then gave a slow, crooked smile.
"Yes. I suppose we are."
