H OHara

“Gina Roman’s office, Gina speaking,” answered the sweet voice on the other end of the receiver. It was early, and Gina was quite alert and energetic.

I sat down under the flower. Didn't quite know why it was really so big. I actually just happened to stumble across it, meandering about my way one day. It had beautiful red petals flowing in the summer wind, so I trotted a slow trot up to the tree-size stem. At first I did not believe my eyes as I approached the gorgeous beast. I wrapped my arms around the huge trunk in awe, and gave it the greatest hug a child has ever given anything. On it grew small, tiny hairs, as if grown simply for the pleasure of catching a ride on the waves of the air. They tickled my face as I hugged harder. I could feel the green stem warp a little under the pressure of my arms, which allowed me to feel the pulse of the flower. And what a huge pulse it had!