The gift arrived without warning.
One morning, the community center's garden—Anino's garden—bloomed with flowers that had never existed before. Bioluminescent, impossibly beautiful, humming with ancient energy.
For the small one, the Watcher's voice explained. For the choice she gave me.
"It's beautiful," Maya breathed.
They will never die. These flowers will bloom forever. A small thing, but— The Watcher hesitated. But it is all I know how to give.
"It's perfect."
The garden became a pilgrimage site—creatures from everywhere coming to see the immortal flowers, to sit in their glow, to remember that even ancient beings could change.
Glad visited often, sitting by Anino's statue, surrounded by eternal blooms.
"Look, Dad. Even the universe can learn to love."
A breeze—warmer than ever.
The Watcher, watching, felt something unfamiliar.
It almost smiled.