Chapter 10. The Green-Eyed Man

Eva found Joana in the garden planting some kind of herbs; she could smell it strongly even from afar.

“Looks like someone decided to join the living,” she said, smiling. “Put on some gloves; come help me plant these,” she said, pointing towards a pair of black gloves.

“So, should I call you grandma?” Eva said, putting on her gloves and picking up a plant.

“Don’t you dare; I don’t look that old,” Joanna said, pointing a finger at her. “Call me Joanna or Aunt if you want. I don’t care as long as it’s not Grandma.” She made such a horrible face that Eva burst out laughing so hard she almost fell face-first into the pile of fertilizer Joanna had kept aside.

“Serves you right, trying to call me Grandma,” she said, still smiling.

Eva fell beside Joanna; she never realized gardening could be such a soothing act. They worked in the garden until the sun was shining right ahead of them. Luca was there whenever they needed something heavy lifted. After planting,