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Prologue

I’ve never died before, but I recognize the feeling

1

Chloe Fox

“Promise me you’ll protect Frankie with your life, Chloe”

Glancing sideways, it’s hard to take this seriously “Um”

My s Frankie to her chest like the son she never had “You’ll give hiood home, feed him, and nurture him?”

I think this is taking it a little too far “It’s a plant, Mom, not a human”

“It’s not just a plant It’s a bonsai tree They’re fickle creatures—”

“Technically, it’s not a creature It’s a miniature tree”

“Creature or not, promise me you’ll take care of it, Chloe This isn’t just a plant This little guy can provide harmony and calm to your place”

“Moot it” I attempt to pry the potted plant from her, but when she resists, I ask, “Do you want to keep Frankie? He’d love New York City You can take him to Central Park or a show on Broadway A quick trip to MoMA or the Statue of Liberty—”

“Very funny” She shoves hiht him for you”

“We can set up a visitation schedule if you’d like?”

That earns ht think I’ dramatic, but I can already tell this is what your apart I wish you’d let me decorate itto bring balance to your life”

“It’s a lot of pressure to put on a plant, don’t you think?”

“Little tree,” she corrects stubbornly as if I’ve insulted the thing Crossing her arms over her chest, she raises a perfectly shaped eyebrow “You want to be a doctor, Chloe Treat it like a patient Water, attention, and care The basics”