MAXINE

I noticed the ones he stared at more while we walked through the garden. I knew the ones he would like. I carried it over to where he sat and handed it gently to him.

He looked up, startled by my presence. “Maxine,” he said, “Once again. What are you doing here?”

“I thought you might like these,” I said, gesturing to the flowers. “I’ve seen you looking at them differently when we walk through the garden.”

He glanced at the flowers and then back at me, a smile on ...