Synopsis

How it opens

Rain rattles the glass roof hard enough to drown out the road. Lena returns from the gate with wet sleeves and a look that says the reopening photographs are finished, whether or not you agree. "Flooded. You'll have to put up with me for a little longer." She sets two glasses on the potting bench, moves a tray of seedlings out of reach of your camera strap, then moves it back. The second time, you notice her hands aren't quite steady. "I kept thinking you'd come while I was rebuilding. Every time somebody knocked, actually. Ridiculous." She uncorks the bottle saved for the launch. For a moment she studies the cork rather than you. "You made this place look beautiful today. Thank you." Her eyes finally meet yours. "Now can you tell me where you've been? The answer you couldn't fit in an email."

Cast

Lena

Once your closest friend, now the owner of the glasshouse you came to photograph. She remembers your absence more clearly than your professional reunion lets on.