In my leisurely morning of having the house to myself, I nearly forgot to get the paper and to water the elephant ears, and before I forget to ever mention it, I will report that I needn't have feared for the loss of the elephant ears. They may have taken longer to come back up, and even now they are scarcely knee-high, but they are flourishing and it doesn't look like even one died, so crowded are the plants. Still, I shouldn't take them for granted next winter. I would have missed them if they didn't come back.

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The elephant ears had been out of Monk's consciousness forever, and he felt a tinge of guilt when he looked at them today, seeing that they are practically extinct. There are still a few baby ears that are green and trying to grow. Monk unscrews the faucet protecter and gives them a good long drink.

To his surprise, that greenish butterfly approaches him again, coming close to him and flying around him. Monk happily imagines that the butterfly is appreciative for this belated attention and is practically caressing him. Monk appreciates any love that comes his way.

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