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Chapter 1.5 - The Helper
The old gardener of the Zelenka house is walking towards the garden shed when he notices a small figure a bit further away from the shed. The familiar figure seems to be grouched over and working on something. The old gardener can already guess what the figure is up to.“Good morning, Miss! What’cha planting there?”
“Dahlias,” Lata mumbles as she keeps her eyes on the seedling she’s currently planting into the ground. She doesn’t even show a hint of surprise at the informal greeting from the old gardener.
“Oh, so you were caught again.”
Lata sighs sadly as she continues planting yet another seedling.
“Yeah, somehow I’m really bad at being sneaky... Even if you help me.”
The gardener chuckles, upon which Lata gives him a not-so-pleased side glance.
“Lil’ Miss, you keep getting caught because you’re trying to grow too many crops and too openly.”
“But I want to grow a bunch of crops...” Lata, now fully facing the old gardener, sports a pouty face.
The gardener slightly reprimands Lata while still holding a smile on his face, “It’s too noticeable. The only way to grow crops, especially now that the Madam has become more vigilant, is to grow crops in a small patch lil’ Miss.”
Lata heaves a big sigh as she stands up.
“You’re right. I know you’re right... Fine, I’ll stop being childish and settle for a small patch of crops.”
The gardener laughs heartily before speaking up again, “You’re saying it like I’m strong-arming you into this lil’ Miss.”
“Ah, no, you’re not! I’m just in a petty mood, sorry Henry! I know you’ve always been a big help to me in this,” Lata quickly tries to clarify with a panicked face.
“Haha, well, let me help you yet again then,” the gardener starts his way towards the shed, “I’ll go grab the tools needed for a new patch and show ya a good hidden spot.”
Lata hurries after him.
“I’ll help you carry some things!”
“Well, if you insist, lil’ Miss!”
“I do!”
Henry lets out yet another laugh as he and Lata make their way towards the tool shed.