Adem stood by the fence, his lantern flickering against the rising chill. He touched a leaf, feeling its life retreating toward the roots. The soil was turning cold. The Fear: A frost was predicted by morning. The Question: Had his patience been for nothing? "Soldun mu?" he whispered into the dark. Have you faded?
Adem realized his care wasn't wasted; it was an investment in a longer spring. Yanaginda Gonca Gulun Soldumu Adem Bacel
He pulled back the coat. The leaves were limp, and the stem was bowed. The Gonca Gül looked defeated, its color muted by the gray light of a winter dawn. A Different Kind of Life Adem stood by the fence, his lantern flickering