Zera and the Green Man by Sandra Knauf Read Free Book Online

in Rosemont High, but I worked my way out of it. I know what it takes to get what you want.”
    Tiffany’s words and the alley-cat-hungry look in her eyes sent a shiver up Zera’s spine.
     
    * * *
     
    Back at the condo, the sight of Nonny’s packages thrilled Zera. With all the drama of the evening, including a discussion between The Toad and Tiffany on the way home about what “they” were going to do about Theodore’s situation at BioTech, she’d forgotten about her presents. 
    “I hope I can open them now,” she said to her uncle, ignoring Tiffany and what she’d said earlier.
    “Sure,” The Toad said.
    “Suit yourself,” Tiffany added, letting Zera know that this was her decision, too.  She plopped down on the sofa and kicked off her high heels. “But hurry up. I’m exhausted, it’s late. We all need to turn in early tonight.”
    Zera ignored the remark and went for the boxes. She opened the one with the holes first. 
    “It’s a Venus flytrap!” Taken from its protective paper nest, she held up the plant in its glass pot with detachable clear glass lid. The flytrap was small, about five inches tall, and a bright green color. 
    “Pretty interesting, Zera,” The Toad had recovered enough from the evening to grin roguishly at her. “That’s a carnivorous plant, you know. Eats flesh. Woooo . . . scary . . .” he wiggled his long, warty fingers in the air.
    Tiffany rolled her eyes, but Zera’s sparkled. “This is so cool!”
    “Imagine, sending someone a plant on their birthday,” Tiffany said. “That mother of yours is certainly an oddball, Theodore.” 
    Zera opened the other boxes. One held a book entitled Plant Oddities and Their Care , and in the largest, heaviest box, was an antique terrarium. 
    Zera admired the rectangular fourteen-inch-tall iron and glass terrarium. A series of pointed arches stood joined together on each side, three across the front and back and two on each side. The separate base was all metal, patterned in twining vines. A fancy cut -glass knob opened the iron top. Zera sighed. It’s beautiful.  
    In the bottom of the box was a light pink envelope from Nonny Green, the flamboyant script addressing it to “My Darling Seed.”
    Zera smiled. Her name, Zera, meant “seed” in Hebrew. She took out the envelope and opened it. The outside of the card showed a gorgeous spring bouquet of flowers in reds, blues, purples, creams, and chartreuse, nearly exploding from an earthenware vase. Three tiny fairies flew around the blossoms. Zera instantly recognized it as one of her mother’s paintings. Dad had this painting in his music studio. Nonny made it into a card. Zera’s throat tightened. Nonny , you’re the greatest.
    She looked up at her uncle and saw him swallow hard, knowing he recognized his sister’s work. “Beautiful card,” he said.
    Zera opened it.
     
    My Dearest Zera,
    Happy 15th birthday! I found this little Venus Flytrap at the Denver Botanical Gardens. She seemed to speak to me, to tell me that she would be the perfect birthday present for you. I know it’s not the “real” pet you’ve been wanting for so long, but I’m sure you’ll find her interesting and educational.  
    All in Ute Springs (including your furry and feathered friends) send their love and birthday wishes. We love you and miss you so much. 
    Nonny
    P.S. The terrarium is a family heirloom from 1891 — a gift from Queen Victoria to your great-great-grandmother Rose. A token of appreciation for some herbal advice, I believe.
     
    Zera felt, finally, as if it were truly her birthday, as if her mother, father and grandmother were there with her in a small but real way. She hugged the card to her chest. “Nonny says this terrarium belonged to my great-great-grandmother Rose. It was a gift from Queen Victoria!” Zera’s hand caressed the pointed arches, the crystal knob on top. “I love it!”
    “Hmmmm,” murmured Tiffany. She got up from the sofa and walked over to the