Semaphore

By her 40s, Vera’s shyness and anxiety had become so crippling she barely left home. To compensate, she began communicating with the outside world by placing objects in her front yard at night.

A plate or cup on the grass meant “share your good fortune”; a doll, figurine or soft toy on the porch declared “hug someone you love”; tinsel draped on the lemon tree announced “you’re beautiful”.

By the time she was 60, Vera’s garden was festooned, and considered a tourist attraction. People came from all around to see it, muttering “mad ol’ bitch” as they drove slowly by.

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