Tale Of A Bean (2)

"...she plants one bean ..."

In the precious earth she plants one bean from among those chosen for her dinner and sets the pot on the window-sill. Every day she waters the soil. To her amazement, two leaves appear, then a third. To support the tender sprig (rama) , the old lady ties its stem (tallo)  to a knitting needle (Aguja de coser) , stuck in the pot .

But enemies appear. A neighbour above shakes dust (polvo)  from his rug down on the bean on the window-sill. Pigeons peck at the leaves and will not be chased away. The old lady decides to move the plant, but there is not enough sun in her room. So she puts the flowerpot out on the landing (rellano) . She must keep moving the pot as the patch of sun moves. Sometimes she forgets and neglects it. Sometimes she goes to the landing and neglects her work.

Then she has an idea. One walks ( sacar a pasear ) dogs and children. Why not string beans? So she takes her plant to the garden. In the Tuileries  there is both sun and water. And sitting on a bench each day, she watches the plant as it starts to become green.

But the walks are brief, because she must work. Back in the dark building the leaves begin to fall. The old lady makes a decision. Early one morning she carries her string bean to the garden, and plants it behind a hedge  (seto) in the midst of luxurious flowers. Afterwards, a little tired, she rests on the bench. She is happy. Without anyone knowing, she has saved a plant, a life.

"...In the Tuileries  there is both sun and water...."