SOUL DORM

31

Love shack baby

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CHAPTER 31:

OLIVE'S GARDEN

I had never planned on staying in the Dorm permanently. Still didn't. My goal was clear. The path I wanted was set. My family, Dav, my school, my life... I longed for the day I'd reunite with them.

But...

The time I spent here changed something. My friends, my discoveries, brand-new experiences... The Dorm was no longer the prison I wanted to escape from. It had turned into a real school. Every moment, every day, with every encounter, I was learning. And now, standing in the greenhouse, I felt new emotions sprouting in my heart.

The garden the Dorm created for me was right in front of me. An arch made of beautiful flowers framed the entrance, with "Olive's Garden" written in golden letters on the glass doors. I stared at it as if under a spell until Tarben gently interrupted.

"I'm sure the inside is even more impressive."

I sighed. "Sorry, you're right. I just..."

"You just... can spend as much time here as you want. Because this garden is all yours. I was merely sharing a suggestion."

A playful smile danced on Tarben's lips, which made me smile too.

"Then I'll take your advice," I said. But as I reached for the door, Tarben stepped forward.

"Please, allow me the honor."

He opened the door with an exaggerated flourish, making me laugh. By my third step inside, that smile was frozen on my face. I looked around in awe. Dozens, no, hundreds of flowers, some I knew, some I didn't, filled the garden. On the ground, hanging from the walls, dangling from the ceiling... They sparkled in the light streaming through the high glass ceiling. And more incredible were the butterflies fluttering among them. It was like a piece of heaven.

"Wow..." Tarben said when I didn't make a sound.

We moved deeper into the garden through a sea of colorful petals. Tulips, hyacinths, lilies, violets, lilacs, orchids... I recognized these flowers. And there were many I had never seen before. When we reached the center, a small pond greeted us, with water lilies floating on its surface. Next to it was a special corner for roses.

We continued to the back and arrived at the workshop. In the middle was a huge wooden table. One wall and the counter in front of it were packed with various tools, while the other wall was lined with all sorts of vases and pots. The shelves under the counter were filled with books. The Dorm must have known I'd spend hours reading and learning. It even left a mini fridge stocked with strawberry milk and a jar full of cookies.

I excitedly examined the materials. I touched the ribbons, caressed the vases. One book led to another, and another, and another. While I darted from one corner of the workshop to the other like a kid in a playground, Tarben had grabbed a carton of milk and jumped onto the table.

"I guess I'll have to come here if I want to see you again," he said.

"If you know anything about flowers, I might take you on as an apprentice," I teased.

He wrinkled his nose. "You've seen my relationship with tomatoes. I think you know the answer."

I giggled. Tarben was as skilled at horseback riding as he was hopeless at gardening. I knew flowers, butterflies, and enchanting scents didn't captivate him like they did me. Yet, he didn't leave my side. He trailed behind as I examined each flower, stood with me in front of every bloom, pondered alongside me, and even offered opinions on my questions, despite having no clue.