By the time she realized it, Evangeline was already seated in the garden. The white painted iron chair felt uncomfortable against her back, or perhaps it wasn't truly uncomfortable at all and she was only making excuses in her head, anything so she wouldn't have to sit here, directly across from Cerdery, who was calmly sipping her tea with an expression of quiet delight.
"Do you see how empty the garden is?" Cerdery began, her voice smooth as she lifted her teacup. Eva followed her gaze, looking left and right, taking in the scenery more carefully.
She wasn't wrong. The garden wasn't barren, nor was it neglected. Bushes lined the paths, trees stood tall and healthy, and patches of soil lay waiting as if something was meant to bloom there. Nothing looked dead. Nothing looked sick. It was simply… unfinished.
"It doesn't look abandoned," Evangeline said carefully after a pause. "Just… quiet."
