What the Orchids Remember
Twinkle Pink looked sideways. Either the one who was talking was incredibly bushy and big, or something strange was happening to her eyesight. She shook some of her leaves carefully, not to distress her babies any more than they already were.
Yes, kidnapped. That was what our caretaker called it. Who are you? You are humongous.
Oh, no. We are three. We are triplets, our name is Brassavola Little Star.
Triplets? What’s that? Asked Twinkle again.
We are three identical sisters.
Not identical. Interrupted another voice, so similar to the first that Twinkle did a double take.
Oh, Ok, yes. We are not identical, we each have a different self. Replied the first one.
And then how are we going to call you? Asked Twinkle.
Well, maybe Little Star 1, Little Star 2, and Little Star 3. Replied the first one.
And who, may I ask, is going to be number 1, sister? Asked the second one, who seemed somewhat upset. Do you think that is you?
Why not?
Oh, the nerve. I was born before you, I should be number 1. Replied the other one.
You are both wrong, I was the first, I am Little Star 1, said the one who hadn’t yet spoken.
Twinkle stared as the three sisters argued and argued.
Wait, wait please! She interrupted. I have an idea that can help!
The three sisters stopped their arguing and looked at Twinkle.
What do you suggest?
Instead of giving yourselves numbers, one or two or three, why don’t you call yourselves something you are? How tall or something?
The three sisters hummed and hummed.
Hmmm. That is a good idea… Said the first one. I will be Little Star Tallest.
No, no you are not. I am the tallest.
Oh, stop your squabling! Interrupted a new voice, Shary Baby. You are going to be Little Star North. You, he added, regarding the last who had joined the conversation, will be Little Star West, and you… And Shary Baby pointed one leaf at the remaining one, you are Little Star South. There that is settled.
But I don’t want to be South, I want to be North! Cried that one.
I said that is settled. Take your names or I will complain to the caretaker. Then we will see how she names you.
The three large newcomers went silent. They didn’t yet know the caretaker well enough and were in some awe of her.
Ok, now that is settled, continued Sharry. Why are you three? We had always come one at a time, at least one of each family at a time.
Little Star North started. It was, I think, because our caretakers were going on a trip. They were fixing all up in the huge house, and saw the three of us there. Our blooms had died. Her voice seemed to break. We had no more blooms and they decided to give us for adoption.
Adoption? Asked Twinkle. What’s that?
Do you really know how you come here? Asked Star West. What happens in between you being in the huge house and coming here?
Yes, we go through the Great Darkness. Replied Twinkle.
No, no. That’s not what I am asking. Do you know why the caretakers on the great house suddenly send you other places?
Nooo. Replied Twinkle, she had never thought about that.
Your caretaker gave money for you, she ‘bought’ you. Explained Star South.
Money? Bought? Queried Sharry.
Oh, my! You live in limbo here. Said Star North. You know nothing about the world, do you?
Ok, explain, if you know so much. Replied Twinkle. She was getting tired about this high and mighty sisters and their supposed knowledge.
The woman here, she found out that our caretakers were not going to keep us, and paid, gave something called money, so that we would be sent to her. Explained Star West.
Well, yes. I imagine that is how it happens to all of us.
No, no it isn’t. You see, your caretaker…. I should say now our caretaker, gave a lot of money for all of you.
Yes. I understand.
But she gave nothing for us. We were adopted, not bought. Almost shouted Star North. We are foundlings.