PRESENT DAY•••
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[Lucien]
"What in tarnation have you done to my garden?!"
A voice cried out.
"You, stay right there young man! I'm callin' the police—don't you move! Don't you dare move! What kind of godless creature tears up a widow's rooftop sprouts?!"
I slowly peeled my eyes open, both arms folded behind my head as I lounged comfortably on the rooftop. Even without turning, my lungs pulled in air that stank of earth, heat and old woman perfume.
For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then I felt the dirt beneath my nails, the dry blood against my skin, and a tightness behind my eyes that wasn't quite pain.
I sat up slowly, gravel crumbling off my back. I took in the scene:
Potted herbs lay scattered, soil splashed across the rooftop, leaves crushed and a f
