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Rootbound — The Winter Guests, Page 1

By Suha · Published

A two-panel comic page. The top panel shows Fern and Wren standing in a long, arched glass conservatory at night, looking up at a single floating leaf. The bottom panel shows a view from inside a dark brick potting shed looking out through an open door into the same glowing conservatory, with several leaves floating toward a wooden tray filled with dried foliage.

Transcript

A two-panel comic page. The top panel shows Fern and Wren standing in a long, arched glass conservatory at night, looking up at a single floating leaf. The bottom panel shows a view from inside a dark brick potting shed looking out through an open door into the same glowing conservatory, with several leaves floating toward a wooden tray filled with dried foliage. Visible text, in reading order: Fern: Yesterday, roots. Tonight, flying leaves. Wren: At least these are lighter.

Image description

A two-panel comic page. The top panel shows Fern and Wren standing in a long, arched glass conservatory at night, looking up at a single floating leaf. The bottom panel shows a view from inside a dark brick potting shed looking out through an open door into the same glowing conservatory, with several leaves floating toward a wooden tray filled with dried foliage.

About this chapter

A leaf rising at Room Eight leads Fern and Wren to a tray that refuses to be cleared away. Hidden silk cocoons reveal that the dead night watchman was keeping a promise to his winter guests. With Ida's memory to guide them, they move the undisturbed tray to a cool, sheltered corner rather than a shredder or a heated glasshouse. The watchman lets go when care means leaving something alone. Back in the corridor, rippling water carries a bell from Room Nine.