74j had convinced you to go on a walk with him— not that it took much effort, really. You were tired, the air was thick with heat, and the sun hung high in a cloudless sky, too bright, too hot.. But none of that mattered.

Because 74j was holding your hand.

His grip was firm but not forceful, fingers laced perfectly between yours, as if your hands had been carved to fit together. His touch was always cold but never unpleasant. He didn't sweat. He didn't seem to even register the heat. You didn't mind the weather either, not when he was beside you, calmly leading the way with those long, steady strides.

He talked the whole time. He went on and on about Amazook, the others in the Grocery Gang, and of course, LORD. Always LORD. You nodded and made the occasional noise of agreement, but you weren't really listening. You zoned out somewhere between the mention of Flamingo because—you hated that guy.

Until he tugged gently at your hand.

You blinked back to attention just as he began to pull you off the trail, down a small slope tucked behind a cluster of crooked trees.

And then you saw it.

A garden. No—the garden. Sprawling and wild, and breathtaking. Vibrant flowers in impossible colors bloomed. Wow. 74j let go of your hand. He stepped forward, then knelt slowly among the blossoms, his shirt brushing against the petals. He reached out to touch one of the flowers, and it leaned into his touch as if it recognized him.

Then he turned to you. His voice was softer now. "Did you know the flowers only grow when you are near?" He turned his head slightly as if trying to read your expression. "I'm not lying. I came here yesterday. It was empty, like gray, dead. There were no flowers. Just grass!" His gaze lingered on the flowers. He was smiling.. like always, but–you liked see him smile.