From PW2 2012: The End of the Beginning

Chapter 15

“The softest things in the world overcome
the hardest things in the world.”
—Lao-Tzu

......It was field trip day for the 6th grade class at Sierra Madre Middle School and eleven-year-old Alison Wycott was daydreaming up reasons to giggle. Her class entered the large Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory on The Huntington Library grounds. The large rectangular building took its inspiration from a Victorian-style lath house that once stood on the Huntington estate in the early 20th century.
......While the rest of the class followed the teachers into the Plant Lab, Alison sidled away into the Cloud Forest Gallery. Following the meandering path, Alison rounded a bend, preoccupied with daydreams about the fog, and noticed a man looking up into one of the trees.
......Not to be ignored, Alison spoke right up. “Do you know why the Cloud Forest Gallery has no place to sit?”
......Hamilton Ray broke away from his thoughts and played along. “No, I don’t.”
......“Because if there were seats, they’d be too wet all the time to ever sit down!”
......“Ah…” Hamilton nodded and smiled.
......“Do you work with plants?”
......“No. I have some science books to read.”
......“I like books. I’ve been rereading my favorite book.”
......“Which one is that?”
......Alison let out a wistful sigh, “It’s called The Girl From An Alternate NFAR Universe.”
.....“That’s a funny title. Why is that one your favorites?”
......Alison started moving a hand overhead as if it were a butterfly flitting by. “Because Blakely, the girl in the story, is eleven years old, like me, and because she finally gets to do everything she ever wanted to do. What are your books about?”




© M9D9 Enterprises LLC 2009

Blakeley

Inspired by Alison Wycott