A World Afloat, Across that Bridge

Part 5

The Enchanting Green 

Selby, Kai's little brother, was enthralled by the vibrant tapestry of plants that adorned Ocean Haven. His curiosity ignited as he explored the diverse botanical wonders that surrounded him. The market section, with its ample space and lush vegetation, beckoned to Selby, offering a chance to immerse himself in the beauty of nature that he couldn't experience within the confines of their shipping container home.

While Kai ventured off to reconcile with Gertie, Selby's eyes twinkled with excitement as he left the bustling market booth behind. He had a longing to intimately acquaint himself with the plants, just as he did at home. The green foliage had always been a source of solace and wonder for Selby, and here in Ocean Haven, the vast array of flora presented a cornucopia of new discoveries.

As Selby meandered through the lower decks, his eyes danced from one plant to another. He marveled at the intricate patterns on the leaves, the delicate blooms that added a burst of color to his surroundings, and the friendly vines that extended towards him as if offering a warm welcome. Each step filled him with anticipation, wondering what new botanical marvel he would encounter next.

His scanner, a prized possession, was both his companion and guide on this exploration. It helped him identify the different species of plants and ensured that he wouldn't miss out on their unique characteristics. Selby's excitement grew as he stumbled upon a snack-bearing vine, its fruits tempting and unknown. Yet, his prudent nature reminded him to first understand the nature of the plant before indulging in its offerings.

As Selby busied himself with his scanner, his attention was briefly drawn to the lower deck where he spotted Kai and Gertie engaged in conversation. Their voices carried faintly through the air, revealing snippets of their discussion. His heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of worry in Kai's eyes and heard Gertie mention the plants she had at home.

Curiosity mingled with concern, and Selby hurriedly made his way towards his sister. He found them during lunchtime, his eyes alight with anticipation and a touch of apprehension. Kai noticed Selby's approach and smiled warmly, sensing his brother's eagerness to share his discoveries. Kai glanced over at Gertie, still smiling, but all Kai saw was Gertie disappearing into a doorway, off to decompress, and Kai could understand why. 

As they sat together, Selby poured out his thoughts and worries, expressing his concern for the plants that Gertie had in her possession. He voiced his fear that she might not understand the significance of caring for them properly, fearing that neglect might befall the cherished green inhabitants of her home.

Kai listened attentively, their heart swaying between understanding and a desire to alleviate Selby's concerns. They reassured him that they would find a way to approach Gertie with gentle guidance and share their knowledge about plant care and the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship with nature.

With renewed determination, Kai and Selby embarked on a shared mission—to foster a deeper connection between Gertie and the botanical world around them. Through understanding and education, they hoped to inspire Gertie to embrace the wonders of plant life and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the green little havens within her own home.

 A Garden Haven's Secrets

As Selby and Kai sat together during lunch, their conversation continued to revolve around the enchanting world of plants. They pondered which plants might make a delicious and nutritious meal while also discussing Selby's concern about his malfunctioning scanner. Determined to restore his beloved device, they decided to venture to the gangway, where repairs and technical assistance were available.