LUCEM
LXI Chapter

"The plant before you, also known as the glory lily, is one of the oldest extant plant species. This plant is native to India, precisely in southern India. Gloriosa is one of the rich sources of colchicine. Each part of this plant contains colchicin, especially seeds and tubers. The tuberous portion of Gloriosa is the most toxic due to the high colchicine content there" Venus explains.

"Although colchicine is poisonous, it is widely used by ayurvedic practitioners* as a traditional medicine in some areas to cure various diseases, such as arthritis, fever, ulcers, hemorrhoids, abdominal pain, intestinal worms, and other diseases, bruises, sterility to skin problems, and much more" he continued.

*the basic concept of Ayurvedic medicine is to invite people to live healthy through special practices, applying a healthy diet and lifestyle, and doing natural therapies such as using herbal medicines.

I listened to all the words of Venus while following her steps towards a long chair there. We sat down and continued our conversation about the various plants in their garden. Not boring at all, he's a nice guy as a chatter buddy.

"Ok, Mars. Our long conversation is making me a little thirsty. I'll go in and bring something for us to eat" Venus said before stepping away.

Now I sit alone. I swept through the entire garden area just to find the whereabouts of the two women who had disappeared long enough between the plants. Then I stared at the tightly closed white plank fence, it was the fence we passed before entering this house. Recalling the Moonflower home we left behind, I moved there.

With my hands resting on the fence, I stuck my head out to find Moonflower's house. The thin fog that blocks the view, silent and somber, feels very contrasted with the colorful atmosphere of Magenta's garden.

However I tried to see and remember the direction of our arrival and the position of the Moonflower house, I still did not see the slightest hint of the existence of the house. The big house is lost in the earth.

"Hi, Mars. Look what we got!" exclaim Venus who has returned to sit in a long chair.

"Okay, I'm coming" I said.

"Wow! it's pizza?" I stared tastefully at the food lined up in the chair.

"Yes, if you think about what we eat is the blood and feathers from the cauldron bubbling with the addition of a water lizard's eye as well as the frog's toe, then I would say that it could not be more than this menu.pizza, doughnuts and coffee with creamer," said Venus, stretching her hand like a magician.

"I'm a pizza fan, and I'm glad Magenta isn't a witch with a weird taste" she said.

"Yes, yes, I hope this reality doesn't disappoint you" he joked.

"Now I'm just interested to know if this food also has some magic" I said, taking a slice of pizza and eating it.

"Hmmm... Squisito!" I said while giving a hand gesture.

(Squisito, read skwi ⁇ zi which means delicious.)

"A party without inviting us?" magenta's voice sounded.

"No. There's a lot of pizza and doughnuts for us, and give me a little time for an extra two cups of coffee" Venus said, disappearing behind the door.

"Uh, a man who is quick to respond, it is difficult not to like him," said Magenta accompanied by a small laugh.

Marbella jumps excited to find a pizza that is still warm. "Good meal!"

"Umm. yes, enjoy it," I said.

"The best thing about Venus is the pizza, you're lucky" said Magenta, his hand picking up a slice of pizza on a plate and making the first big bite.

Before long Venus returned with a tray in hand, Moonflower walked by her side.

"Oh, you came in time, Moon," said Marbella with her mouth full.

Festivities in small parties, jokes and laughter with them. The thing that reawakens gratitude, the poem of happiness I chant in every bite. Although deep down, I was very worried because I was sure this happiness and security would not last long, we were just visiting. The real journey may be dangerous, bleak and difficult to guess.

I drove out all the moodiness that passed by, and smiled with them. Maybe not only me, maybe they and everyone are also making the same effort. Enjoy day.

"This may not be the right time, and it may not be very polite to ask you, but I'm very curious" Moonflower said, holding a doughnut in her hand that had just gotten a little bite on the edge.

I've stopped biting pizza, waiting for the continuation of what Moonflower wants to ask Magenta and Venus. While Marbella does not look disturbed, he still diligently chews.

"Do you have.... child?" moonflower asked, lowering her voice on the word 'child'.

Marbella, seen stopping her mouth movement. Waiting answers.

"We're not married" Magenta replied casually. He smiled at Venus.

My heart is hurting for the Venus man.

"But the child can be present without marriage, right? An acquaintance of mine even had four children with two different men, and the last time we met, he looked very happy" Moonflower said excitedly.

It felt like interrupting, but I held it as hard as I could. Let the woman talk and the man listen.

"I mean, Venus and I aren't exactly the couple you think they are. Yes, we live and live together, but, you know, we don't do that" Magenta said, moving two fingers across Moonflower's face.

Venus cleared her throat and then said, "Yes, we're not."

"Oooh, that disappointed me. Jimmy and I had just bet ten sickels and I was pretty sure I would hear a different story from you guys" Moonflower lamented.

"But we have a daughter" Venus said later.

Moonflower sparkled, and I felt enthusiastic. "Tell me further, how is a princess present among you without.. uh!—"

Moonflower looked puzzled at the groove she had not expected.

Marbella. "Your conversation will make all these pizzas cool faster."

"Yes, yes, pizza is much more delicious to eat while warm, come." said Venus while thrusting a pizza plate into the circle.

I know Marbella was just trying to deflect a topic that might break someone's sense of calm. My sister knows how important it is to maintain a mood during meals.

I cheerfully went back to biting out the pizza I had in my hand, then donuts, coffee and back to the pizza. I hope all of this food understands that I have put a lot of effort into being fair. Eat them in turns, delicious.

Moonflower did not want to miss, her hands now contained doughnuts and pizza. At first glance I saw the gawking Venus witness our brutality.

Gee whiz....