
Misi held up the clear-plastic orb, a beatific smile splitting her narrow face. “This is the rose you gave me on our first date.” Gero looked from the lawn mower engine he’d been repairing to the flower, wrapped in resin and cupped in Misi’s hands. Wiping greasy hands on his trousers, he took the ornament from his girlfriend, frowning. He turned it over and inspected it from all angles...