the earth has music for those who listen
Content next to his raggedy ghost of a friend, Mateo smiles across at both Paige and Edmund, despite only knowing one of them. Then he's distracted by the touch of a kind hand, blinking to see the leaves scattering down from his head. "I wondered where I put those," he says in a lilting accent, smiling and examining his supplies as they are placed before him.
A surprisingly adept student, one might think Mateo would dive ahead before being instructed, but this isn't about growing plants, so it doesn't happen. Indeed, as Ruth explains, he goes to work methodically soaking his materials so they are more supple, swallowing a sudden lump in his throat to hear the old woman speak. She reminds him so much of his Nonna Vai in the moment that it's as though she's still here, and he daren't look up in case his emotions get the better of him.
A surprisingly adept student, one might think Mateo would dive ahead before being instructed, but this isn't about growing plants, so it doesn't happen. Indeed, as Ruth explains, he goes to work methodically soaking his materials so they are more supple, swallowing a sudden lump in his throat to hear the old woman speak. She reminds him so much of his Nonna Vai in the moment that it's as though she's still here, and he daren't look up in case his emotions get the better of him.
