She was watering the vegetable garden. Everything was growing but nothing was ripening. No sun.

When he was finished talking, she said: “I’m so excited. The amaryllis finally bloomed. It has four flowers.” “Four flowers,” Mr. Big said. And then: “I’m so happy you’ve taken an interest in plants.” “Yes. Isn’t it nice?” Carrie said. “It’s amazing the way they grow if you just pay a bit of attention.”