Avery ran to keep Jackie in view, she turned several corners, running past test labs, robots, and scientists. “Got you now.” He said as she went around one more corner into the green room. All known plants and trees, even Jackie’s favorite, the Japanese Cherry Blossom, where held in this room. The massive, old tree had a room of it’s own, it was surrounded by flowers and a spot of red on the stone steps leading to the tree told Avery that Jackie was here. After a glance at a Yellow Tulip, Avery walked to the tree and leaned against it.

“Go away.” Jackie yelled from up in the tree. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Do you remember the Hanakotoba lesson Dr. Sally taught us? That was the first lesson I learned as a your RC.” Avery looked around. “The language of flowers.” He said. “At first you were very shy, like the Amaryllis Belladonna.” Avery stroked the petals of the light pink flower. “Then you bloomed, like a Red Poppy, into a fun-loving person.” Cherry Blossom petals flowed down around him. “Do you remember what the Morning Glory stands for?” He moved away from the tree to kneel down next to the blue flower. When he looked up, Jackie was standing under the tree, tears still streaming down her cheeks.

Avery picked the flower and held it up to her. “A willful promise.” Jackie whimpered.

“I promise, no one will poke you with needles anymore.” He took her hand and placed the flower in it. “And you know I keep my promises. Now let’s go to your room and clean up your arm.”