Chris Mastree's Arc

Chapter 9 of 10

Chris stood at the edge of the cleared greenhouse space and looked at the planted seeds. Three tiny sprouts had pushed through the soil overnight. The seedling beside them stood straighter than before. Growth was happening, but something was missing. The healthy evergreens outside survived because they had what Chris lacked—strong roots and protection from the wind. Chris needed to understand what kept them alive through winter. They picked up the monocle and stepped outside to study the trees more closely. Through the lens, Chris examined where the evergreens drew their strength. The soil around the healthy trees was dark and loose, not packed and frozen like the greenhouse ground. Chris returned inside and searched the debris until they found a hand-cranked device with metal blades curved around a central wheel. They positioned it over the cleared patch and turned the handle. The blades rotated down, breaking through the hard surface and mixing the frost into the dirt below. After two hours of cranking, the patch was soft and ready. Chris knelt and pressed pine needles and ash into the turned earth, blending the nutrients deep. They moved the strongest seedling into the center and packed the loose soil around its roots. The ground would support new growth now. Chris stood and looked at the prepared patch, then at the greenhouse around them. Seeds planted, soil mixed and fed, tools ready for use. The walls were still missing, but the foundation was set. Everything needed for growth was here, waiting for spring. Chris touched the brown bark on their trunk and felt the rough texture beneath their fingers. The green would return when the time came. They had built the place where it could happen.