Look at this orchid, they said, it’s for you as a welcome to your new job. Welcome! We’re so happy you’re here. We hope and expect great things!
Oh goody. An orchid. Through gritted teeth.
Look at this orchid, she said, but don’t touch. Another for my collection. Oh good, you’ve finished your homework. Now you can help with the boys and the meal and the laundry and the chores.
Oh. Yes Mom.
The boys blew through here after school and nearly knocked over the new orchid. They are so rowdy. Look at all the toys and clothes and crumbs they left behind. I told them to put their dishes in the sink but they’re still on the living room floor. I knew you would straighten things up. Orchids are fussy, did you know that?
Mmm.
Oh, but the care and attention is worth it for such a pristine and exquisite bloom. I nurse my orchids just like your grandmother nursed hers and see how nicely mine look? As fussy as they are they are easier than children. Well, quieter. They don’t yell and scream or fight. And boys will eat and drink you out of house and home! But orchids, just one good soak and they’re good for a week.
What’s taking you so long? Chop, chop. Get to it. The chores won’t do themselves you know. You’re mumbling again, Sweetie. Surely you can finish the laundry and keep your brothers quiet until dinner. I have more important things to finish. Oh you know, things for Daddy. Run along and while you’re at it feed the cat. And smile. Why are you always frowning? You’re far too serious. That’s what I love about orchids, so exuberant.
Look at this orchid, she said, it’s mine. You’re here now, I guess you should come in. Not sure why you came all this way. Do people still ride Greyhound? How dreadful!
Well, I …
What’s that? I can’t hear you. No matter. My son thinks he is serious about you. That you’re The One. Well really, you’re both too young to know. Still, who am I to judge? Did he tell you I judge orchids? He did? He’s so proud of the house I’ve maintained since his father just tossed us aside. I keep this place ship shape. A cluttered home makes a cluttered mind, my mother always said. You could learn a thing or two from her, I’m sure. I didn’t wait on him hand and foot, you know. Being a single mother is no excuse. Why look at these orchids. If I can keep such difficult plants thriving surely that says something. And they aren’t cheap, you know.
Why are you still standing in the doorway? Come on in. What? Speak up! I can’t hear you. You know, you really should smile.
Oh goody. An orchid. Through gritted teeth. A smile. People prefer smiles.
Look at this orchid, it’s such a nice gift. I’m so glad to be here, so happy for this new job. I love orchids. Yes, I see the card. I’ll be sure to water it as the card instructs. I’m good at following rules and instructions. A welcome lunch? How nice. Sure, see you all then. I’ve got time to start settling in.
Look at you orchid. Why would anyone give an orchid as a gift? Aren’t you demanding and fussy plants? I don’t like extra challenges. My life is challenge enough. But here we are.
You are pretty amazing to look at. I lied, I don’t love orchids. I haven’t ever really seen one up close.
I’m not sure I have whatever it takes to take care of an orchid. There’s never any time. I have a home to keep clean and a job to excel at and a spouse to please and pets to feed and family to help and too many things to do to waste, I mean, spend time on an orchid.
Here’s some water. I’ll probably ignore you and forget to water you. Not like some people I know.
I hope you make it. Don’t die. I hope I make it, too, and that this job works out for me. I hope I don’t disappoint everyone. Again.
Look at your orchid! Is that the one we gave you a year ago? Congratulations on one year! Let’s go out to lunch and celebrate. Look at how it has flourished! Look at all the blooms! What did you do? What is your secret? Just once a week?
You weren’t a fan of orchids before? And this one changed your mind. Why wouldn’t you like orchids? Who doesn’t like such beautiful plants? With just the right care, they bloom.
Pink orchid by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay / filtered from original
Orchids in home by Anu Hämäläinen from Pixabay / filtered from original
Group of orchids by RainerBerns from Pixabay / filtered from original
Single orchid by Michal_o79 from Pixabay / filtered from original