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Low Key Love in ‘The Overstory’
The miracle of being understood
Dr. Westerford lives a mostly solitary life in the Cascades, fulfilled by her study of Douglas-firs and her awe of them.
Dennis works nearby and visits her. He treads lightly, gradually daring to bring her meals and suggest walks together.
He displays his respect for her autonomy with the gentlest proposal imaginable. It is deeply moving precisely because it is so unromantic.
He suggests making their arrangement a bit more permanent, changing nothing about the practical details of their interactions.
After assuring her that nothing would change, he adds, “But I’d want to sign the papers… Because then, when I die, you could get the pension.”
She is astounded to be seen so clearly and known so deeply.
“It feels good, like a root must feel, when it finds, after centuries, another root to pleach to underground.” (Richard Powers)
