Summary

Chapter 15 is titled “The Root of the Problem.” Dr. Silva leads Jacob out of the garden. When they reach the plant that smells like rotten flesh, Dr. Silva says the plant is a means of deterring anyone who might venture into the garden. She later says the lock on the gate is impossible for an ordinary mortal to open. Jacob is physically ill after the encounter with the tree. Dr. Silva gets him to the house and begins to explain.

Dr. Silva was married to a man named Oswald. When he died, she buried him in the garden. She says the coroner pronounced Oswald dead, and she buried him “without fanfare” (102). The following spring, a tree had sprouted from his grave and Dr. Silva realized Oswald's “blood had unlocked deep magic” (103). All trees are spiritually connected to all other trees, and Oswald provides...