The garden had been a good compromise, thought Brunei. Something for everyone. Fresh air and sun-shine, but also the mental security offered by the walls, which also provided shade for those who wanted it. A fountain, a few palm trees, grass, flowers, even the little formal Japanese rock garden that Lin Pey had insisted on.
"Hello, Ollie," said Lazar. "Nice day."
"Isn't it always?" replied Brunei. "How about a little shower?"
"Maybe tomorrow."
"I notice a lot of sleeping people today," said Brunei.
"Yes," said Lin Pey. "By now, the garden seems to be able to maintain itself."
"You think it has a separate existence?" asked Ingrid.
"Of course not," said Vera. "Our subconscious minds are maintaining it. It's probably here when we're all asleep."
"No way of telling that," said Brunei. "Besides, how can it exist when we're asleep, when it doesn't really exist to begin with?"
"Semantics, Ollie, semantics."