but none I wanted to ask。 It was nice; though; riding with my father。 It was like the silence
connected us in a way that explanations never could。
When we arrived at Greenhaven; my father parked the truck; but we didnt get out right away。
“It takes some getting used to; Julianna; but it does
grow on you。 They grow on you。 Theyre all good people。”
I nodded; but felt oddly afraid。
“e on; then;” he said; taking the sack from the seat。 “Lets go inside。”
Greenhaven didnt look like any kind of hospital to me; but it didnt look quite like a house;
either。 It was too long and rectangular for that。 The
walkway had a faded green awning that covered it; and flower beds alongside with freshly
planted pansies that looked muddied and slightly askew。
The grass was patchy; with three deep holes dug near the building。
“The residents tend the grounds;” my father said。 “Its part of their occupational training
program; and its therapeutic。 Those holes are the future
homes of Peach; Plum; and Pear。”
“Fruit trees?”
“Yes。 The vote caused quite a motion。”
“Among the … residents?”
“Thats right。” He swung open one of the glass double doors and said; “e on in。”
It was cool inside。 And it smelled of pine cleaner and bleach; with something vaguely
pungent underneath。
There wasnt a reception desk or waiting area; just a large intersection with white walls and
narrow wooden benches。 To the left was a big room
with a television and several rows of plastic chairs; to the right were open office doors; and
beside us were two pine armoires。 One was open; with
half a dozen gray sweaters hung neatly in a row。
“Good morning; Robert!” a woman called through one of the office doors。
“Good morning; Josie;” my father replied。
She came out to meet us; saying; “Davids up and about。 Has been since around six。 Mabel
tells me its his birthday today。”
“Mabel is right again。” He turned to me and smiled。 “Josie; its my pleasure to introduce my
daughter; Julianna。 Julianna; meet Josie
……… Page 58………
Gruenmakker。”
“Well now; isnt this nice;” Josie said; clasping my hand。 “I recognize you from Davids photo