When his mother is sick in bed, a neighbor suggests that Raymond should stay inside after school, so his mother won't worry. As he sits inside the quiet apartment, Raymond watches the world going by outside his window. One day, he sees a woman happily receive a gift of flowers, and he remembers how his mother had once lived on a farm, and how their city life made her miss A living, growing things. Raymond resolves to get her flowers, but a trip to the florist reveals that he doesn't have enough money to buy a bouquet. The low-cost alternative of growing flowers from seeds seems to be the perfect solution, and indeed, his windowsill pots soon yield beautiful blossoms. But Raymond's mother's health declines and she is hospitalized. His flowers peak and wilt before his mother is discharged, and Raymond's disappointment adds to the worry and fear he already is feeling. When his mother finally returns home, Raymond dreads the sadness she is sure to feel when she sees the withered plants. To his amazement, the next morning he hears her laugh with delight, and together they watch birds gather on the windowsill to strip seeds from the drooping stems. This unexpected and happy conclusion provides satisfying closure to a quiet story about the love between a Chinese American child and his parent. (Ages 4‑8)