Chapter 9: An Unexpected Offer
Three weeks after the ceremony, Colonel Mendoza contacted us again.
He did not come with ceremony this time. He arrived in civilian clothes, sat at our kitchen table, and spoke with the same direct respect he had shown in the hall.
“There is a community project the base is supporting,” he said. “A series of public green spaces for veterans’ families and low-income neighborhoods. We need someone who understands both plants and people—someone who can design and maintain the gardens with limited resources. The position includes a stable salary and benefits.”
He looked at my father.
“I thought of you immediately. But I will not pressure you. You have already given more than enough.”
My father was silent for a long time.
“I’m not a designer,” he said finally. “I just know how to make things grow.”
Colonel Mendoza almost smiled.
“That is exactly what the project requires.”
After the colonel left, my father stood at the sink for a long while, looking out at the small yard.
“What do you think?” he asked me.
“I think you’ve spent your whole life making other people’s gardens beautiful,” I said. “It might be time for the work to give something back to you.”
He rubbed the old burn scar on his palm with his thumb.
May you like
“I’ll think about it.”
Two days later he accepted.
