wingspan chapter six

The classroom was basically a large greenhouse with each plant and herb sectioned by type and color. I assumed the stone markers at the beginning of each row with numbers on them pertained to different categories which still remained unfamiliar to me no matter how many times Mr.Baryo explained things.

I pass by a row of dark leaf shrubbery and vibrant green bushes with roots so thoroughly etched under the moist soil that I could tell were lovingly cared by after their owner. Mr.Baryo did a fine job watching over the school's greenery.

The deeper I went in the nursery I smelt fresh tones of dirt and pure unpolluted air. Not caring to bundle up I let the cool brisk wind sting my cheeks and nose. No longer was I strolling through waste filled parks in the city.

There was something almost hypnotic about the expansive amount of growing organisms that calmed me down in a manner I didn't fully expect to happen. Usually I would have to sit in the dark and count until three hundred before the anxiety was slightly less hair raising. Given my background I have always held a special place for nature, but never have I felt it in such magnitude.

Maybe it was the dull lighting or the soothing effects of a waterfall conveniently beyond reach that created an uplifting experience. That seemingly perfect moment was cherished, undisturbed, holy even.

Wanting to explore I go to a section located directly opposite from me that had a bunch of herbs planted in one neat row. A smile creeps up on me. Despite myself I was pleasantly surprised to see that out of them all I recognized one.

I quickly grab a sample jar of the Cordia Globosa from the shelf otherwise known as black sage. I knew that particular medicinal plant from my grandmother who made tea for me when I suffered from the common cold. I had a low immune system and because of that I was susceptible to fall prey to sickness.

With the jar secure I step on a trail of dead foliage that was on the floor over to the far end side of the deserted pathway I took.

Just ahead Toby was collecting samples.

When I found Toby he was diligently going through our list.

"Here you go." Carefully I hand over the jar with the herb in it.

Toby crosses off another item with his pen. "Well, call me surprised." he murmurs.

I roll my eyes. "How many do we have left?" I ask no longer in the mood to deal with his unruly attitude.

The morning was emotional and Toby's insufferable behavior made the whole transition all the more difficult.

"A couple. We're doing the extra credit." he tells me.

I sulk. "Fine. Lets get this over with." I sigh irritated at having a straight-laced overachiever for a partner.

Because of his tall stature I had to stand on the tip of my shoes to look over his shoulder at the sheet of paper Toby held in front of him. If he wasn't going to fill me in then I would have a look at it for myself.

I thought maybe we could finish the project faster if I got lucky enough and found another plant that I missed and somehow recognized. I wasn't all that surprised when I noticed my name went missing. His was their, though, in bold impeccable cursive at the very top of the page.

Right beside me I hear Toby's breath turn wispy and guttural. "What are you doing?" he wheezes out.
With respect for his agoraphobia I back away, just enough, and lift my hands in the I Surrender Position.

"I thought maybe I could help." I calmly explain to him.

Of course I, of all people, knew what it was like to have the walls crash down. That's why I figured it would take a while before the dizzy spell wore off.