“The Chrysanthemums” was about a woman that had a garden in her front yard.  She had a magical touch with flowers, specifically chrysanthemums.  She could make them grow so big and beautiful that it was remarkable.  She’s out in her garden one day when a man that fixes things, such as pots and pans, stops by the house to ask for directions, and maybe fix something for some cash.  When he asks if she has anything that he can fix, she is adamant that she can fix those things by herself and won’t give him money that doesn’t need to be given.  Then he asks her about her flowers and her attitude is immediately lighter.  He comments on how beautiful they are and she finally gives him an old pan to fix.  He says that some folks up the road love chrysanthemums and would love to have some that would grow as beautiful as hers.  She eagerly gives him a pot with some seeds in it, along with instructions on how to make them grow.  He thanks her and heads out in the direction she’d told him to go.

            Later, when her husband gets home, they go to town to get something to eat.  As they are driving up the road, the woman sees something lying on the road and immediately knows what it is, but refuses to look at it.  The man had dropped the pot of seeds off by the road, never giving them a chance to grow and become beautiful.  This effects her deeply and she cries.