I've been spending 30-40 hours a week working with plants. I walked in unsure of the difference between an annual and a perennial. I still know next to nothing, but those endlessly thirsty budding organisms have become my friends. I look to them when customers ask irritating questions and respect their silence. I cherish our alone time between the hours of 7-9 together listening to the 20 songs that get repeated (Coldplay, Nickleback, Adele, Coldplay). I ignore the rest of the store. The high ceiling, stacked shelves, toilet items and lamps. I ignore the people.

I like to think of myself as a plant. Drinker of water. Quiet. Water making tiny circular mirrors on my exterior. Roll off when wet. I've never seen a plant get frizzy. I suppose there are some differences.

I wish I could think of people as plants. Perfect oddities sprouting up for a while, then dying.