petal three
At the height of the summer of 2020, when barely anyone walked into the store, she came in carrying big shopping bags. She was looking for a large cactus for her new apartment just a few doors down, having recently returned to the States from Italy. That afternoon, I delivered the plant to her home, bringing along a small bouquet to welcome her to the neighborhood. Her apartment had a beautiful bay window where her black cat sat beside the cactus, watching people on the sidewalk below. Ever since, I’ve loved waving to her as she passes by, brightening the street in her effortless, seasonal style.
Over time, we’d sit and chat, and I came to admire her uniquely sharp perspective—she saw things in ways I had never encountered before. Her points of view often gave me pause. She kept me grounded, always asking me "why," and teaching me that accepting thoughtful criticism helps pull us out of our own tunnel vision. My dear friend born out of that quiet year, we saw that entire chapter through together.
She has since returned to her hometown in Maryland, continuing her work with writers. I look forward to seeing the journey ahead as she collaborates with so many brilliant upcoming authors.
By embracing change, we remain strong, adaptable, and resilient. Everything we pass through happens for a reason, leaving us a little stronger and wiser along the way.