“And this time, you’re going to listen.”

PART 6

Inside, the air smelled of damp earth and tomato leaves.

Rows of seedlings stood beneath grow lights.

A child’s drawing was taped to a cabinet: two stick figures holding hands beneath an enormous yellow sun.

I noticed a small photograph pinned above the desk.

Hannah stood between the same children, laughing as the boy tried to balance a watering can on his head.

“Are they yours?” I asked.