The peony, again…

My distance over the past few days hasn’t done “my” peony much harm: a few more buds have appeared, and look full of life. My face must really give away my wonder: Mrs. Pyke looks at me strangely, like she’s thinking “she’s a bit special, that one…”. Ach well, it doesn’t matter – I’m used to being seen as an outsider, and the buds that I’m looking at are spilling over some old roses, seemingly swollen with happiness. My waves of encouragement are working their magic. I’m waiting for the next smile from the petals.