Chapter 20 - THE DAY CLAUDIA RETURNS TO THE GREENHOUSE
Claudia did not enter the greenhouse for six years.
Her choice.
Then Evelyn graduated high school and wanted graduation photographs at Villa Ventresca because she had drawn the greenhouse repeatedly as a child.
Not gardening.
Architecture.
Light.
Glass.
She asked Ruby first.
Interesting.
Ruby was ten? Timeline off. If Evelyn 10 and Ruby 4, six years later Evelyn 16 not graduate. Let's say eight years later Evelyn 18, Ruby 12. Good.
Eight years after the incident, Evelyn asked to take graduation photographs there.
Ruby said:
“Why ask me?”
Evelyn answered:
“Because Mom made it weird.”
Accurate.
Ruby shrugged.
“Go.”
Claudia attended.
She stood near the same planting table where I had slapped her.
I saw her notice.
Then she walked past.
No ceremony.
Evelyn took photographs holding sketchbooks.
Not flowers.
May you like
Her own identity.
Finally.
