“Sure.” Karina pushed up her sleeves, slid over the bowl and scooped in the leftover soil. She examined the miniature tree in Mrs. Galbraith’s hands. “Is that a . . .”

“Japanese maple bonsai.” Mrs. Galbraith smiled at her. “Seeing that book got me thinking: this might be a good project for my students. I’ve had this one at home for years.” She lowered the small tree into its new home and patted down the soil around it. Karina had never seen a bonsai tree, and it was oddly fascinating to see such a small replica.

Mrs. Galbraith took off her gloves and carried them over to the sink. “I have something for you.” She opened a drawer and removed two books. “These should help you with your orchids. I haven’t had a chance to read them, but there’s good information in there about dormancy periods, which it sounds like yours might be going through. Take a look and let me know what you learn?”

“Sure. Thanks.” Karina took the books, which both appeared brand new. “Turns out I was overwatering the orchids. That moisture meter went all the way to ten once I put it down below the surface. I’m letting them dry out now. Hopefully, a couple of them will come back.”

Mrs. Galbraith shrugged. “Orchids are fickle. I never got the hang of them. Bonsai, on the other hand . . . very sturdy.” She smiled. “Do you want to see how to prune this one?”

Karina watched as she trimmed the tree, and then tried it herself with the small scissors. She began helping Mrs. Galbraith with the bonsai after school and in the mornings whenever she had time. Once she’d learned what to do, she fell into deep concentration during these periods, using the tiny shears and tweezers to create sculpted branches and even layers of deep red leaves. A perfect miniature she could create entirely with her hands.

13 | Keith

August 2009

Keith was grateful for Jaya’s mother’s presence. She managed the incoming visitors, tidied the debris of grief from their home and spent hours engaged with Karina. Every night, she prepared simple Indian meals, and though it was hard for Jaya to take much pleasure in food, Keith knew the familiarity of her mother’s cooking brought his wife some comfort.

After weeks of feeling like a shell of a human being, emotions ready to be triggered at any moment, Keith needed a reprieve. The managing partner of his office had sent the largest floral bouquet he’d ever seen with a kind note, telling him to take his time. But Keith was up for partner this year; he knew his colleagues were using every chance to prove themselves and he felt pressure to do so as well. Jaya’s mother encouraged him to return to work, and with her there to look after Jaya, Keith felt comfortable enough to start back slowly.