“Girl, never seen anything like you before,” Elwood purrs to a potted plant with bulging buds. Mesmerized, he sinks into a faded floral-patterned loveseat the previous renter left behind, watching the plant dance, opening in real time with subtle flutters. Vibrant golden stamens press out purple petals atop bright green leaves, flamboyant like Mardi Gras costumes on TV. Elwood circles her, sniffing her scent, cooing compliments. He’s been smitten before, but Lord-have-mercy—this one’s special.

She seems to be weighed, though, by his adoration. Slowly drooping, like a final curtsy. The whole performance was from budding to bowing, about two hours. Elwood mists her leaves, hoping she’ll generate new buds and dance again.

In bed, he replays the recital, savoring the colors, movements, perfume. His heart swells as he drifts off, thinking of her.

The next morning, the fancy flower is limp, petals dry, brown. It’s over. Loneliness grips Elwood, as if the vivid colors and fruity scent were a charming houseguest whose sudden departure shrunk his world. Slumped in the worn loveseat, Elwood feels rejected, humiliated, abandoned. A tear, then several, salt his cheeks.

Her vacuum sucks his soul as he wonders why she left. Fire burns his eyes. Anger clenches his jaw. He’s sweating, seething, swearing, “damn-ingrate-bitch.” Grabs a bread knife. Saws, hacks, severs her stem. Clutches her rigid bits. Prepares to pulverize her remains in the garbage disposal.

Then he glances over at Snake Plants, Philodendrons, Aloe leaning toward him, as if begging: Don’t do it! Elwood pauses, remembering how he rescued them all. Salvaged from garden garbage on the ground at Big Box Centers. Rooted in jars of water. Planted in coffee cans or cut-off soda bottles. Transformed from plant litter into hardy companions brightening up his one-bedroom rental, purifying the air.

He’s worked so hard, saved so many. He deserves rest. But first, he must bless his creations again. He sprinkles water, mists outstretched limbs, promises he’ll repent, reminds them to have faith in him, their savior. Calmed, he returns to his one-night entertainer to seek forgiveness. Submerges her parts in water. Blesses her to root, to rise up, to rejoice, to dance again in song.

In the bathroom, he strips off his stained t-shirt and gray sweatpants, naked. Turns the rusted shower knob, hoping, yes, praying, that the cold water will wash away his filth, so he too can start anew.