theurgy The carpenters tore out the bedroom carpet and set out heaters to dry the damp from the sub-floor. The wall was reframed for a large picture window that provided a wider view of the yard. Elaine bought herself a fancy chair with deep cushions – a bright floral print, and a generous matching ottoman, so she could sit and look out whenever she pleased. The mound faded to dull green. But after a few weeks in the sun and a twentyminute soak every morning, its color improved. In early fall Elaine dialed down the irrigation system from once per day to once per week. Chickweed crept in but she didn’t bother to spray it. Ants marched through and crickets sang at night. In October the Flower Haus ran a fifty percent discount on all remaining flowering shrubs and trees. Elaine purchased eight Rose of Sharon and set them in the backyard, abutting the fence. Dressed in a pair of jeans and a loosely buttoned shirt, she retrieved the long-handled shovel from its hook, and began digging. “Hello Mrs. Small.” Jason leaned over the fence. “Hi Jason.” “How’ve you been?” “Oh, much better, thank you.” “Was something the matter?” She stuck out her foot and wiggled it. “Had a terrible sprain when my husband left the string trimmer lying on the ground this spring – didn’t see it there. But now, good as new.” “Cool.” He grinned. “So where is Mr. S. these days? Weird not to see him mowing and stuff. You guys have such an awesome lawn.” “He’s away.” She smiled politely. “So I’m tending the yard now.” “Ah, I see.” His eyes scanned the yard. “Looks like you’re more the natural type.” Elaine struck the earth with the tip of the shovel, forcing it through the turf’s roots with swift shove from her foot. “Did you hear that?” “Hear what?” “Sounded like shouting.” And then she laughed, mysteriously, with her eyes closed. Jason shrugged. “Eh, maybe that couple next to us – they argue a lot.” “How is your wife, Jason? That baby must be due any time now.” “Charlotte? She’s terrific, thanks for asking. Although she can’t stand being outside since the pregnancy – makes her feel sick. But now that it’s cooled off I keep trying to get her to at least walk around the block. Problem is she’s so darned huge!” “She’ll be back to normal soon, I know I was.” “I’ll tell her you said that. Hey! Looks like you just did some remodeling.” He pointed at Elaine’s bedroom window. “Charlotte and I were just talking about adding on.”
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