After a wet and stormy April, the weather settled and the skies cleared. Even the heaviness of the normally damp air felt less imposing and brought a riot of flowery scents. Deborah loved this colorful time of year, when everything around her seemed alive and vibrant. “Here’s the last of those roses, Miss Deborah,” Sissy announced, putting two pots on the ground beside her. “Your mama said to tell you she’ll be bringin’ some cookies out for the lil’uns soon.” Deborah straightened and reached for the first pot. She looked to where Emma had just finished digging the hole. “Are you ready for this one?” “Yes. You can put it right here, and I’ll pack the dirt around it.” Working the rosebush from the pot, Deborah maneuvered the plant into the hole. While Emma took care of securing the dirt, Jonah called Deborah’s attention to the hole he’d dug. “See how deep it is, Miss Deborah?” She could see he was quite proud of his accomplishment. “It’s very fine. I’m sure this plant will grow strong there.”
