Gemotions

The greenhouse air was humid, perfumed with the scent of damp earth and blooming orchids. Leo, a horticultural student, wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. Professor Thorne was missing. He'd expected his Tuesday afternoon session, ready with his research on grafting techniques.

Leo studied the vibrant blooms, his gaze lingering on a particularly striking phalaenopsis. The glass walls reflected the sunlight, casting dancing shadows. He went to the grafting tools and, following the professor’s lessons, proceeded to carefully snip and join two different plants together. He went through the process several times.

He spent the remainder of the afternoon meticulously tending to the other plants, pruning and watering. He observed their growth. He paid attention to the sunlight.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the greenhouse, a note was left.