"Oh by the way, on that topic of gardening." Her father said. He went to the front door, opened it, and walking out. He came back inside holding a flowerpot and a letter. In the flowerpot stood a bright orange chrysanthemum, puffed up like a lion's mane and swaying with every step he took. All of Kelsee's swirling thoughts from their little exchange instantly vanished at the sight of the beautiful flower. "Where did that come from?"

"Looks like it was some sort of special delivery." He said, setting the flowerpot on the table. He examined the letter. "It's addressed to you. Looks like Grandma sent it. That was really nice of her."

"I'll go put it in the back." Kelsee said hurriedly, taking both the flowerpot and the letter and darting outside. Her own personal garden spread out before her, set up in neat rows of colorful tulip beds, herbs, and vegetables. After taking an generous sniff of the chrysanthemum, she sat down on the porch step and began ripping open the letter.

Her mind began to fill with questions as she wondered why Grandma had sent such a wonderful gift. It had been a while since she had heard from Grandma Veronica, and the fact that she had sent one of her prized flowers made Kelsee puzzled. Did she just want to say hello after a while of no communication, or was it an important message?

Once the envelope was open, she quickly unfolded the cream colored paper and found her Grandma's fancy cursive inside. She began to read:

Dear Kelsee,

How are you dear? It's been much too long since I've seen your beautiful face! I hope that my little chrysanthemum was able to make the journey to your home in one piece. I remember how much you loved those flowers.

Anyways, moving on; I hope that this letter finds you in good health, seeing as I cannot say the same for myself. You see, it's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I had a rather unpleasant tangle with a ladder that resulted in a broken arm. 

As you can tell from the lack of chicken-scratch, I didn't break the important one. Now don't worry yourself about me, I am perfectly fine, and I disposed of that faulty ladder. However, taking care of my house and garden has become a bit more difficult to manage with one working arm. And I fear for my garden most of all; the weeds are taking this opportunity to strike while I'm weak. 

That's why I'm writing to you. Your Father told me that you had recently left your job, and I had the maddest but most brilliant idea for you to come to my home over the summer to lend me a hand. It's completely for you to decide. I would of course pay you for your troubles, maybe not as impressively as your last job, but it would be money all the same. But most importantly, I miss your company dear, and I would be stupendously happy to see you again. Just think, it would be like a fun sleepover party with your Grandma!

Anyways, I love you very much dear, please let me know as soon as possible whether you will be available to come stay for a visit or not. It's not like these chores are getting any easier waiting for your answer. I look forward to your reply!

Love you,

Grandma Veronica.

When Kelsee reached the bottom where her Grandma's looping signature marked the end she just stared. Her mind was a scrambling mass of shock as struggled to come to terms with this sudden turn of events. Could everything really have fallen into place so easily?

Feeling slightly lightheaded, she read the contents again, more slowly and closely. When she had finished a slow smile crept upon her face.

Surely it would be difficult to search for a job while away from home while taking care of Grandma. Yes indeed, she mused, being at Grandma's would completely render the whole endeavor impossible. Already the conversation with her father was fading into a distant, unpleasant memory. 

Plans of how to break the news to her parents began crowding her mind as she tried to figure out the perfect way of delivery to win her them over. Surely they would see reason; Grandma Veronica had broken her arm for heaven's sake! Perhaps she could hold off looking for a new job until she was done taking care of her over the summer?

The nature of Kelsee's thoughts came crashing into her skull. She instantly felt shame wash over her in an angry wave. Grandma had broken her arm! How in the world could Kelsee think about herself at a time like this? In her onslaught of guilt, she anxiously worried over the welfare of Grandma Veronica, and wondered how long she been in that state. It was undoubtedly incredibly difficult for a woman of her age to be trying to take care of herself while also maintaining her home. 

Well, no more, she determined firmly in her mind. She was going to travel to Grandma's over the summer and help her, and nothing was going to stop her. Even if her parents disapproved, she would hitch a ride with a drifter if it came down to it.

She cracked a smile at that last thought. There was her winning argument right there. No way would her parents stand for her going to that extreme.

So it was settled then. She was going to Grandma's over the summer. No job hunting for her. A weight which had been hanging onto Kelsee for the past couple of weeks seemed to lift from her shoulders. She let out a sigh in relief, enjoying the sensation of feeling like she could breathe easier. Still brewing over the contents of the letter, she glanced over at the orange chrysanthemum and breathed in its sweet scent. 

She would leave as soon as possible.