Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge to write a 200-word story based on a photo prompt. This weeks unique photo is provided by Anurag Bakhshi.
Her true name was Lily Rose but folks in town called her Crazy Flower Lady. She was a gardener, the last of her kind in this part of the world. Years of drought turned the once fertile valley into a desert where only cactus survived. Everywhere except the patch of land where Lily Rose lived. There, plants and flowers thrived in a brilliance of color. No one knew how she kept a garden without water. Some said on the night of a full moon, she stood in her yard, arms stretched upward, beaconing the plant gods to breathe life into her ‘children.’
No wonder they called her crazy.
I knew the truth. Plants only survived when there is water. For the sake of all who lived in the valley, I needed to know where to find it.
I drove the dusty road to her homestead, aiming to confront the old woman. “Tell me where to find the water,” I demanded.
The old lady’s cackle sent chills down my spine. “Truth isn’t truth. You have your truth, and I have mine. The flowers bloom because they like it here.”
Quickly I left, not entirely convinced she was crazy at all.
This photo reminded me of my childhood. My Grandmother was a true gardener, able to grow anything from a sprig taken from a plant, which she often did secretly when visiting nurseries. I don’t believe witchcraft was involved but her talents were amazing. Unfortunately, I inherited none of her green thumb. I have to admit, however, that the story was shaped based on a comment I heard on television this morning. ‘Truth isn’t truth’ is just too juicy to let go. The story ended up being more menacing than originally intended, but I believe it is better for it.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Nice one, Susan
Thanks C.E.
The truth will out one day, great story… I don’t water most plants in drought conditions, as it turns their root towards the surface.
Thanks Michael. I don’t water plants at all, which is why they die.
Good story Susan, I’m not buying it though – she’s getting water from somewhere!
If you act crazy enough, people will leave you (and your water) alone. Thanks for commenting Iain.
Not sure if she could’ve handled the truth, whatever it was, since it’s seeming quite ominous.
According to one of our U.S. ex-Politian’s-turned-Presidential-lawyer, Truth isn’t Truth, so I guess it doesn’t matter. Thanks for commenting Anurag
Just shows even plants can live on only air and love 🙂
There are some that can. But I’m not sure that is what is happening here. Thanks for commenting Dahlia
Sometimes hidden springs bare fruit. I watched a movie once where there was a character who had cactus blooming even when they shouldn’t – in the Arizona desert. As it turned out the woman was a natural healer of some sort.
My grandmother could grow anything. A sprig in water was all it took. But most likely there is water somewhere. Or she really is a witch. I will let you decide. thanks for commenting Jules.
I LOVE this! And I love your explanation of your grandmother. My father is that way, and I kill plants. He’s even brought my “dead” ones back from the grave! Plant-whisperers they are.
Thanks!