Elisa Allen is a capable and intelligent woman living on a ranch in California with her husband, Henry, who seems to have little sense of who she truly is. Elisa pours her energy and care into growing chrysanthemums in her garden, a space that reflects her strength, sensitivity, and creativity. One day, a travelling tinker stops by looking for work. At first, Elisa refuses him, but when he shows an interest in her flowers, she gradually opens up. She even gives him some chrysanthemum shoots to take away. For a moment, she feels hopeful and energized, imagining a different life—one in which a woman might become more than what is expected of her. But the story quietly shows how that moment closes again. In a very touching way, it captures loneliness, unfulfilled desire, and the narrow roles available to women at the time. You can almost see Elisa’s mind opening to new possibilities, and then slowly shutting again. A delicate and moving short story.
Henry came banging out of the door, shoving his tie inside his vest as he came. Elisa stiffened and her face grew tight. Henry stopped short and looked at her. “Why—why, Elisa. You look so nice!”
“Nice? You think I look nice? What do you mean by ‘nice’?”
Henry blundered on. “I don’t know. I mean you look different, strong and happy.”
“I am strong? Yes, strong. What do you mean ‘strong’?”
He looked bewildered. “You’re playing some kind of a game,” he said helplessly. “It’s a kind of a play. You look strong enough to break a calf over your knee, happy enough to eat it like a watermelon.”
For a second she lost her rigidity. “Henry! Don’t talk like that. You didn’t know what you said.” She grew complete again. “I’m strong,” she boasted. “I never knew before how strong.”