Chapter 23: Opening Day

It snowed on opening day, a light dry snow that dusted the evergreens and the tomato beds, which were bare and mulched for winter.

The roof was full of people.

The garden committee wore scarves, and the owner wore his quilted vest.

The church choir stood in a half circle by the water tower in red robes, humming to find their note.

Heated benches ran along the railing, each with a small brass plate.

Flora stood at the top of the steps in her green wool dress and a long coat, and she was shaking.

I took her gloved hand.

"You designed all of this."

"I know."

"Then why are you shaking?"

"Because everyone I love is here."

She looked across the roof.

My mother stood in the front row in her good coat with her glasses on their chain.

Harvey stood next to her in his best flannel, holding a paper cup of coffee in both hands and trying not to cry.

The owner gave a short speech and cut a green ribbon, and the choir sang something about winter and light.

Then Flora went to the microphone.

She talked about soil and sun and what it takes to make a place where something can grow in a bad climate.

She talked for six minutes, and she did not look at her notes once.

At the end she said, "I'd like to thank my father, who taught me to hold a level. And Joan, who taught me what a mother does."

My mother put her hand over her mouth.

"And I'd like to thank Robin Moreau, who is standing right there in the gray coat. She is my stepsister. She is also the person I'm in love with."

Keep reading free with an account. Start My Stepsister Moved Into the Guest Room at Thirty from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.