Dried May Bells

Six crumbling petals rest on your palm. They're white, a bell-shaped crown.

"What is this, Kim?"

"As I said -- an Insulindian Lily, or a May bell. Girls pinned them on their boys during the Revolution."

This flower is a spring flower, but it's a bit early for that, isn't it?

"What is the Revolution?"

"A big political and military conflict. Ask around, or buy a book." He seems annoyed by the question.

"Who pinned them? Which side?"

"The revolutionaries: so the communards and the anarchists. White's their colour. But the custom started in the Suzerain's army so it held meaning for the kingsmen too."

"It's about girls and boys more than sides. Girls sending off boys who are going to their deaths -- then also dying themselves in the ruins, from dysentery and consumption. It's a symbol of the Civil War."

"Very well." (Put the flower back in your pocket.)

The petals feel dry and fragile in your hand.

Water flows under the channel bridge -- dark water. You rub your sides for warmth but there is none.

Stand still.

The feeling recedes.

René! That old man in the uniform. Maybe you should show it to him when you get the chance.

Wait, have you noticed there's a war veteran playing a ball game -- on the plaza? You should ask him about the flowers.

Blow on your fingers.

Inland, above the Martinaise distributary, the channel that brought waste water from the silk mills of Jamrock; and then dead bodies during the War...

...the wrinkled fingers of an old man crush flower petals. Then sprinkle them in the stream, like white salt.

"Is it a coincidence -- it being on the roof?"

"Maybe -- maybe not." He makes a note in his little note book. "We'll see."

"Does this flower blossom in early spring?"

"Yes, but not this early -- not to my knowledge..." He observes the petals: "It looks dried. Preserved."

"This is the Insulindian Lily." The lieutenant corrects his glasses. "Called 'May bells' or 'Lucille's tears' during the Revolution. Girls used to pin these on soldiers before sending them off to battle."

Never mind [Leave.]

Somewhere in Central Jamrock, Lieutenant Kitsuragi steps into the public library, rows of shelves pass on either side... you feel he should be here for in-depth flower analysis.