Sofia and Davide walked toward the center of the opening. Looking around as he walked it appeared to Davide that they were completely surrounded by trees. The opening was probably three hundred feet across; he couldn't tell for sure in the dark.
As they approached the group Davide could make out about six or seven people. Sofia called to one of the group, and that person walked out to meet her.
“Hi Arlo,” said Sofia as they hugged.
“Sofia, you're late and who have you brought with you?”
“Arlo, this is Davide. Davide is a gardener.”
“Is that so Davide?”
Davide couldn’t see in the dark very well though he could tell Arlo was taller than himself. “Well, I have some experience growing tomatoes but as I've tried to tell Sofia I'm no expert.”
“Sofia, I wish you had asked me before you brought someone with you, but now that it is done. Davide we would like to start growing some vegetables here. Do you think you could accomplish such a thing?”
“Well, I could try. But there are things I'll need, like tools, fertilizer, seeds, water . . .”
“We can get all those things except maybe the water. But maybe we could use the cistern we've built or build another one just for the garden?”
“Yes, I think so. We only need to water when we first plant, after that the rains should take care of most of the plant’s water needs.”
“Very good, let's give it a try then?”
Davide hesitated for a moment; everything was moving so fast. “Maybe,” he said. “But I have a question. I do not have the education and certifications of a professional gardener. Do you or does anyone here?”
“No.”
“Well, you know it is against the law for us to grow vegetables, right?”
“Yes.”
“So, they will just find out and destroy the plants, I've had it done to me.”
Sofia looked at Davide.
“I can assure you Davide, the authorities know everything about what we are doing here. We are under constant surveillance from the drones.”
“Then why don't they stop you?”
“Because they consider us harmless and figure that giving us a little space to rebel in satisfies our needs. They know they can always close in at any time.”
“I don't get it. I grow a few tomatoes, and I am punished by losing my home. You do much worse and no one cares?”
“Well, there you have it, that explains it.”
“Explains it?” asked Davide perplexed.
“Yes. You had something that someone wanted. They used the law to take it from you. I bet if you could find out who has your old home you will find someone with connections in the government. Now let's get something to eat.”
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