Isabella came down the stairs on a Tuesday morning. She stopped in her tracks and c****d her head. Grass had overtaken a small corner of the living room. The bright green, sun-fed patch clashed with the off-white carpet surrounding it, leaving no doubt in her mind about the authentic nature of this new addition. As she adjusted her oversized glasses and brushed a lock of tawny hair away from her eyes, Isabella eased closer to the unfamiliar turf. The grass sprung from a square of dirt no larger than her school desk. She studied the miniature lawn, reminded of her favorite spot by the garden—a warm, quiet getaway from the constant hustle and bustle inside the house. Not that anyone inside ever noticed her absence.
A beetle and several ants toiled about their business despite the absurdity
