Gemotions

It had started as a simple interest in gardening; now it was her life. Eleanor loved nurturing her collection of rare orchids, the quiet satisfaction of watching them bloom. Then her son, Thomas, had discovered the world of botanical illustration.

Eleanor was helping Thomas with his new project, which was an illustration of one of her prize-winning orchids. As Thomas began explaining the shading techniques and specific flower details, Eleanor found herself getting worked up. Thomas had said, "Mom, you always talk about it, but you don't *see* it."

That evening, Eleanor found herself avoiding Thomas. She couldn't shake the feeling of having been belittled. She sat in the silent greenhouse, the scent of the orchids strangely bittersweet.