“CAKE?” “COTTON CANDY?”… ”NOTHING.”

Katsura tree. Photo by Marie D. De Jesús.

Geese paddled near, looking for handouts. A lone frog nestled under a nearby log. Yellow katsura and red maple leaves shimmered against the blue sky.

According to A History of Kreisfirth, Volume I, the Japanese Garden and the colorful slope-roofed Boat House before them were inspired by Augustus B. Altruist’s visit to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The upper level—Kreīs Lake Tea House—had been abandoned for years in favor of the Welcome Center’s Circle Cafe.

“Don’t the katsura trees smell amazing? Cercidiphyllum japonicum,” Ali said.

Sam sniffed. “Like cake.”

“Cotton candy. What about you, Peter?”

He inhaled deeply.

“Nothing.”

“Seriously?”

He inhaled again.

 Aaa-achoo. “Maybe mold?”

“Well, not everyone can smell them.” Ali smiled at Sam. “You have to share similar smell receptors.” She pointed to the two-person pedal boats nestled in their slips. “Dare ya to go once around the Lake.”