Here in the Real World

Ware determines that the moat needs a backup wall, and once that’s complete, he and Jolene celebrate their hard work. They discover that the water plants are growing well, and Ware feels a sense of pride in his success at growing life.

Ware insists on going to ask permission to fill the moat with water, since they will be using a lot of water to do it. Jolene takes Ware to the bar and casually walks inside, but for Ware, it’s a first-time experience and very significant. He takes in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the bar, and is even served a ginger ale. Walter, the bar owner, tells the kids they can use as much water as they want, and even listens to Ware’s problems as he sips his drink and eats delicious bar nuts. Ware leaves the bar feeling a little older and talking a little deeper.

When Ware sees Jolene killing off the male plants because they don’t produce fruit, he thinks it’s unfair, and she again reminds him that he seems to live in “Magic Fairness Land” (193).