Ergo, the Ogre

Danielle had always fancied herself as having a green thumb. Until now. This poor little plant seemed to be dying before her eyes.

What have I done wrong? How did this happen?

Before this, everything she touched turned green. People would bring dying plants or flowers to her, and she had always been able to breathe life back into them.

Danielle went through everything that could be wrong with the plant in her mind’s eye.

Too much sun, or not enough? Did she over-water? Under-water? Was the soil sub-par? Had her thumb turned brown?

At a loss, Danielle did what anyone would do in her situation. She called her mom, Daphne.

After Danielle explained what was going on, Daphne told her not to do anything, that she’d be there asap. Danielle felt better just hearing her mom’s voice. Everything was going to be okay.

An hour later, Daphne pulled up in her chariot.

“Dang, Mom. That was fast!” She gave her mother a big hug.

Daphne hugged her daughter back. “I know. Bill and Sharon (the horses) got new shoes this week. Pegasus’ Fancy Flyers. they’re called.”

“I’ve heard of those!” Danielle said. “They really work, eh? Maybe I should get some for Rodney and Marlena.”

“Save up your Drachmas, Dani. They ain’t cheap, but they’re worth it!” Daphne said. “Now, show me this plant.”

“Follow me, Mom.” The two women walked around to the side of the house.

“Here it is.” She sighed. “I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

Daphne gently touched the plant and was quiet for a moment. Then she smiled. “Daughter dear, someone has played a trick on you.”

“A trick? What do you mean?”

“Touch it.”

“Zounds!” Danielle gasped. “It’s plastic!”

“It is, indeed.”

“Who would do such a thing?” Danielle crossed her arms, more than a little annoyed. “I feel like an idiot!”

“Now, dear. Don’t beat yourself up.” Daphne counselled. “It’s probably just the neighborhood kids. But! I know how we can beat them at their own game.”

“Really? How?”

“Let’s go to Wal-Mart.”

“Can we take your wheels? I’d love to see it in action.”

“Hop in and hang on!”

In almost no time, Dannielle and Daphne had landed safely in the Wal-Mart parking lot. They were both a little wind-blown but had enjoyed the ride.

“I am definitely getting a couple pair of these Pegasus Fancy Fliers for my horses.” Danielle said. “They are dope!”

“Toldja!”

Danielle followed her mother into Wal-Mart and over to the paint department. Daphne picked up a can of spring green spray paint. “This’ll do the trick!”

Danielle laughed. “OMG, Mom you’re a genius!”

Back at Danielle’s place, Daphne expertly spray-painted the plastic plant.

“That ought to show those crazy kids.” Danielle put her arm around her mother’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course, dear.” She smiled. “Y’know, I could go for a glass of Metaxa*. How about you?”

“Comin’ right up!”

“Now, what are we getting?”

• Metaxa: sweet Muscat wine from the Greek islands with fine aged wine distillates and an aromatic bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and botanicals