Chapter 43

Paisley looked up to see Grayson staring blankly at a tree. "Aren't you playing with Grayson, Serena?" she asked.

Serena mumbled, "No."

Paisley sighed inwardly. Serena tugged Paisley towards Grayson and the tree. "Mom, look!" Serena exclaimed, pointing at long, pod-like fruits hanging from the branches. "Grayson said they're green beans! Can we take some home?" Her eyes shone with anticipation.

Paisley chuckled. "Nope, those aren't green beans."

Serena's face fell. Grayson looked puzzled, scratching his head.

Paisley crouched down. "That's a Catalpa tree. Those pods are used in medicine."

Serena wrinkled her nose. "Medicine?"

Grayson's eyes lit up. "What kind?"

"Catalpa flowers bloom in May or June, the fruit comes in October or November," Paisley explained. "The pods help with swelling, the leaves cool fevers and stop itching, even the bark has uses. It's quite amazing."

Grayson was impressed. Serena piped up, "Can we eat them?"

Paisley smiled. "You can, but they're poisonous."

Serena recoiled.

Paisley added, "That's nightshade over there," pointing to another plant. "It's medicinal, too, but toxic to kids."

Serena breathed a sigh of relief. Grayson nodded thoughtfully, his eyes sparkling with newfound respect for Paisley. "I didn't know you knew so much about this stuff!" he exclaimed.

Serena beamed. "My mom knows everything! She's a walking encyclopedia!"

Paisley checked her watch. "It's getting late. Your dad should be here soon, Grayson. Let's get your things."

Grayson followed quietly. As they walked, Serena pointed at trees. "Mom, what's that tree called?"

"An elm," Paisley replied.

"And that one?"

"A ginkgo."

Grayson asked, "Can it be used as medicine?"

"Yes, but the fruits and leaves are toxic if you just pick and eat them," Paisley cautioned.

Serena practically jumped at the mention of toxicity, while Grayson nodded seriously. Paisley laughed, a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Reaching her apartment, Serena asked, "Mom, when can we go to the park again?" The hopeful look on Grayson's face mirrored Serena's.

A woman's voice called, "Sonny!"

Grayson's eyes lit up. "Marissa!" he called back, running towards her.