Rehabilitation

A single green sprout rose from a sea of dark potting soil surrounded by chipped grey concrete. Belinda dug her dark hands into the loam around the sprout, making sure that the space was clear of weeds and dead plant matter without disturbing the fragile new growth.

Three green leaves on tiny stems sprouted from the top. Belinda gently poured water around the sprout, moistening the place that her hands had recently passed. She avoided pouring directly onto the sprout. She couldn’t have borne to damage it with the weight of water.

“Philips! Shower time!” The guard shouted at her.