a few scattered plants grew low to the ground , but there was no cover to speak of . short conversations , and from what i could hear on his end , they were mostly trying to get him to confirm the progress i was making health-wise . and , unfortunately , leftovers at st. sophia 's meant `` stew . '' the electricity was at a medium hum , but my energy level was much lower . the bright afternoon sun hits my eyes , and i squint into the parking lot . 