The Seedling Guide

I gathered my black sword and stepped in from the chilly balcony, walking across the living room to where a gardening book lay propped open on the floorboards. Curious about the tiny sprout I had tended all morning, I set my blade down flat on the rug so both hands were free. Crouching low on my knee joints, I leaned over the smooth paper to study the colored botanical plates. I gently gripped the corner of a heavy page between my thumbs, smoothing it flat so the room light illuminated the seedling diagrams. Tracing the curve of the printed leaves with one finger, they matched the little shoot outside almost perfectly. Knowing what kind of plant is growing on our sill brings a warm sense of comfort.