Short Story

The Gardener

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for WTFAIOA Pick 3 #5,
using at least 3 of the 21 randomly
selected words on the bottom of the page.
The image below from Only Murders In My Mind
Weekly Writing Prompt #59 was my inspiration.
I was able to use all 21 words in my story.

For OMIMM; Image is unaccredited

Real estate developers Victor Spalding and his wife, Rosemary, arrived in China filled with determination and dedication to oversee the construction of new houses in a burgeoning neighborhood. The couple envisioned a wholesome community where families could raise their children in a happy and healthy environment.

An old man, known only as the Gardener, had lived on the property for decades tending to his giant bamboo plants and beloved pigeons. He believed the land was imbued with a magic of sorts, a power that connected him to his ancestors. Despite Victor’s promise to cease construction until the Gardener had time to vacate, the old man had taken a firm stand and refused to move. “This ground has given me many joys,” he insisted, his voice steady. “You cannot separate me from it.”

Weeks soon turned into a month and tensions escalated. Victor and Rosemary’s occasional attempts at talking with the Gardener yielded little results. The Spalding’s were determined to craft a community that would thrive, yet every day was a reminder of the old man’s unwillingness to cooperate.

One evening, Victor and Rosemary hosted a small party for the neighborhood, hoping to foster goodwill and understanding. As they mingled, Rosemary noticed the old man quietly watching from a distance, a mix of sorrow and bitterness in his eyes. She decided to go over and talk to him. When the old man saw Rosemary approaching him, he quickly went inside and closed the door behind him, refusing to talk to her.

The next morning, Victor made an extremely distressing discovery: the boxes containing construction material and supplies had been vandalized overnight, resulting in thousands of dollars in damaged goods and delays in construction. This was a direct act of defiance and aggression. Victor and Rosemary didn’t want to believe the Gardener was responsible. They wondered who else would have done this but their question remained unanswered …. for the moment.

⌘   ⌘   ⌘   ⌘   ⌘   ⌘   ⌘

These are our prompt words:
Believe Cease Craft Dedication Direct Gardener Magic
Many Material Month Occasional Party Power Raise
Rosemary Separate Stand Victor Wholesome Wife Would


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#WTFAIOA
#OMIMM

This is “Act of Defiance” by The Jeffersons

Pick 3 #5 This week’s list
Weekly Writing Prompt

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Donna B. McNicol, 2025

38 thoughts on “The Gardener”

  1. Pingback: Pick 3 #6 This week’s list – wtf Am I On About Now?

  11. Nancy, I feel like this story pulls me in with quiet tension. The Gardener’s line—“You cannot separate me from it”—really stayed with me. You do such amazing writing with these prompts!

    Much love,
    David

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. Call it defiance or stubbornness, but I understand the gardener’s situation, his ancestorial ties through the land, is by now, deeply entrenched in his heart and soul …

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. This is a very interesting song with classic CS&N harmony; the bridge took me by surprise. Thanks for the intro!
      I can easily understand where the Gardener is coming from. I think we can all put ourselves in his shoes. Thank you, dear Ivor. 🥰

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