Easter Flowerette's Arc

Chapter 1 of 4

Easter Flowerette waits in her vase, bulb tight and silent in the dark soil. She feels the weight of the earth around her roots. Above, Mrs. Robin watches over her and the nest of robin's eggs. Easter is coming. Easter Flowerette knows what she must do — bloom when the time is right, offer something worth the wait. But first, someone must care for her. Mrs. Robin shifts on her branch. She looks down at the vase, then back at her own nest where three chicks huddle together. The eggs hatched days ago, and now the chicks need constant feeding. But she cannot leave the vase unguarded. She promised to watch over it. She hops closer to the rim and peers into the soil. Nothing yet. No green shoot. No sign of life pushing through. A small trowel leans against the side of the vase. Someone placed it there this morning. Fresh soil darkens the metal blade. Mrs. Robin remembers watching careful hands work the earth around the bulb, patting it down, adding water. The soil still looks damp. Someone is tending the flower. Someone cares. Mrs. Robin settles her wings and waits. Then she sees it. Tiny roots curl near the surface of the soil, barely visible through a crack where the earth has settled. Green grass springs up at the base of the vase. Life is stirring. Easter Flowerette is preparing. Mrs. Robin chirps once, sharp and bright. She flies back to her chicks and feeds them quickly, then returns to her post. The wait will be worth it.