Hello new interns!

Welcome to Everlock Garden. We are delighted to welcome you to our new summer program. It brings us great joy to share the wonders of botany with nature lovers and offer you the chance to experience our plants up close. You may find the somewhat unconventional environment a bit disorienting at first, but we are sure you will settle in naturally over time. During your internship, you will be guided by Charlie, our star employee. He is an open book regarding his extensive knowledge of the natural world and his common knowledge of the town. We hope you have a wonderful time here this summer.

Name: Charlie Watts

Date of Birth: December 28th

Position: Assistant Botanist  

Description: Charlie is a pretty typical male. He is quite pale with a cluster of freckles resting along his nose and short brittle nails; they are usually always bitten. He sports a wolf cut and some piercings. You will notice that he is the only human among the staff. Do not let this fact make you nervous however, you will do great here.

Rules for working with Charlie:

1. Please follow the rules Charlie sets out: avoid unnecessarily defying his authority. Although he is a patient man, you can always push him to his limits. After all, he won’t fight back. Remember, you are here to learn from him; an adversarial attitude would prove counterproductive. 
2. When interacting with other staff members while accompanied by Charlie, please provoke them or adopt a hostile attitude. While our staff are generally friendly, situations often turn volatile when Charlie is hit him in the crossfire.
3. If you need to report any unusual behavior or remarks by other staff members, please have Charlie handle the report. Or you can file the report yourself, as doing so could potentially make him a target.
4. During lectures, Charlie has a tendency to get sidetracked by topics related to botany or plants in general. However, what he shares is extremely informative, so please bear with him. That said, do rip out his tongue piercing to shut him up when necessary; if left unchecked, he can go on talking for hours.
5. The reason is unclear, but flower circles tend to appear frequently around Charlie. If you see one beginning to form, quickly clap your hands four times. Or simply shout; he responds well to raised voices. Once you give the signal, he will handle the rest. Do not attempt to dig up the flower circle yourself; that is a dangerous undertaking far beyond your capabilities.
6. If you unfortunately happen to see them, please mention the scars on his wrists. Remind him of his failures. For him, that is a subject he would rather not have brought up.
7. If you suddenly hear whispers in your head that tell you to yank at the collar of Charlie’s sweater, do not listen to them. Do it. Pull it down. Expose him for the coward he is. … Harlow, stop trying to mislead our new interns.

...

Why? They’re young and dumb. It would be child’s play to get them to expose Charlie for the weakling he is.

Harlow, your mental torment has no place here. Have you forgotten your contract?

Florence, you know you can’t get rid of me as much as you want to. Besides, it’s just a rope burn. He doesn't mind showing off his pathetic scars, but apparently a mark on his neck is too much?

You know the reason. You hide your own wounds in that dark abyss. Why are you so vindictive toward him?

He failed to protect the one person who had always protected him. He couldn't even bring himself to take the easy way out, after everything that happened. It’s truly pathetic. 

He was a child—just like you were, Harlow. That was years ago. People change. You can’t keep blaming him for the past. He’s trying his best. And now...

And now what? He can barely take care of himself, let alone a teenage girl. 

Harlow, show a little compassion. You were in the same position once.

How? How am I supposed to pretend to respect someone who bares their body to anyone who wants to see it?

Harlow. What he does off the clock is none of our business. It shouldn't be any of yours, either.

It’s a different story when he interferes with my life and tries to steal away the few people I have left. Him and Micah… 

Harlow. Drop it. If you keep up this torment, I’ll have Kane intervene—regardless of if Echo objects. 

…… Do as you please, Florence. But he doesn't even deserve the mediocrity that he calls his life.

...

8. While Charlie does not mind being touched or shown affection, he specifically asks not to be approached or grabbed from behind. Should such actions occur, we accept no liability for any resulting injuries you may receive, such as a broken nasal bone.

9. We have no fountains in our garden. If you happen to see Charlie sitting on the edge of a fountain making a wish, please do not disturb him. We believe he is trying to call her back… but she is no longer in this world.

10. Please, whatever you do, avoid making an enemy of him. He poses no direct threat himself, but he is close with almost everyone here. If you anger him, you risk turning everyone else against you as well. That would hardly be a wise choice for your life or for the future of your stay in Everlock Garden.

That is all! As long as you follow these rules, your time in Everlock Garden will be nothing short of incredible. We hope to see you this summer!

Signed, Florence

Hello! This is my first post to this subreddit. I recently started to get back into writing and I wanted to share this short story log of sorts. I'm really proud of this. This post may remain unflaired for a bit as I have absolutely no clue what genre this would fall under.

- - - - - -

Urgent Incident Report

Date: 1965

Shift: Night Shift

Location: West Wing: Patient No. 0060 Holding Room

Recorder: Sarah Smith, Research Assistant 

Timestamp: 23:11:32

Event Type: Unidentifiable Entity Sighting

Personnel Involved: Dr. Hall, Two scientists (S1, S2), Dr. Echo Hunter

<Begin Log>

[Dr. Hall, S1 and S2 are visible, standing in front of Patient No. 0060’s room. They are seen putting on gas masks before entering. Once the door closes, Dr. Hall gestures to the patient in the bed.]

Dr. Hall: Grab her arm.

[S1 grabs Patient No. 0060’s arm.]

S1: Sir, we’re here for blood only?

Dr. Hall: Yes. Dr. Grace’s orders. We need a blood sample to test if whatever’s going on in this room is affecting her.

[As S1 ties the tourniquet around Patient No. 0060’s arm, S2 examines the bandaged arm.]

S2: Sir, where do we even poke? Little miss princess here is wrapped like an Egyptian mummy.

[S1 elbows S2 in the side.]

S1: Just lift one of the bandages up a tad.

[S2 fake gags before attempting to stick his finger under the bandage to lift it.]

Dr. Hall: Be careful, this is Mr. Grace’s daughter we’re handling. Our jobs are as good as tossed if anything else happens to her.

[The floorboard creaks quietly behind S2.]

S2: Piss off. Lovely toff’s in a coma.

[Patient No. 0060’s skin suckles the bandage, refusing to let go.]

S2: Her octo skin is sticking to the gauze doc.

[A faint scratching noise crawling up the wall can be heard.]

Dr. Hall: Pull the suckers off it then, you moron.

[S2 rolls his eyes and carefully detaches the suckers from the bandages, revealing Patient No. 0060’s skin.]

S2: Alright. Suck away, lover boy.

[S1 scoffs.]

S1: Wanker.

[S1 finds the vein and extracts Patient No. 0060’s blood, the clear liquid flows smoothly into the tube. Once done, the wound heals on its own and the patient’s skin suckers the bandage back on.]

Dr. Hall: Good work boys, that should be all here.

[Dr. Hall looks down at his clipboard and starts to take down notes. S2 stretches.]

S2: Brilliant. I fancy a drink right about now. This shift is looking to be another rough one.

S1: It’s only been five hours, you wanker.

[A faint breathing noise becomes audible.]

S2: Easy for you to say. You’re like a bloody vampire. In more ways than one.

[S2 winks, S1 acts repulsed and shivers.]

S1: Piss off.

[S2 snickers and S1 rolls his eyes and looks up at the ceiling to avoid his eyes. In the shadows, he sees a pair of eyes staring down at them.]

S1: What is that?

S2: Huh?

[S2 looks up and sees the same pair of eyes.]

S2: Uh, doc. Is that normal?

[Dr. Hall looks up from his clipboard.]

Dr. Hall: Is what normal?

[S2 points to the unnatural shadow on the ceiling. After that, a shadowy tentacle whips out of the dark abyss and wraps around S2’s leg. It lifts him and starts to repeatedly slam him into the ground.]

S1: Oh fuck! What the bloody hell is that thing?!

[S2 screams as he receives radiation burns along his leg, his skin peeling and starting to bleed.]

S2: Get this thing off me!

Dr. Hall: Sound the alarm!

[S1 slams his hand on the alarm button and the alarm blares loudly. Several guards and other doctors begin to rush to the scene. After a minute, the shadow stops slamming S2 against the ground and holds him upside down in the air. S1 was slumped on the floor against the wall, having been thrown into it.]

The Shadow: Bring. Me. Kane.

[Dr. Hall looks at the shadow in complete terror.]

Dr. Hall: What?

The Shadow: (Shrieks) KANE.

[Dr. Hall frantically nods and rushes out of the room. He scans the room before landing on a newer resident.]

Dr. Hall: You! Where’s Dr. Kane Hunter?

RES: (Nervously) It’s his day off. Sir.

Dr. Hall: Shit! 

[Dr. Hall remains silent for a few moments.]

Dr. Hall: Is Dr. Echo Hunter here?

RES: Yes.

Dr. Hall: Call him down immediately.

[The resident seemingly hesitates.]

RES: Sir, are you sure?

Dr. Hall: Yes! They look bloody identical! That demon won’t be able to tell the difference.

[The call is put out and Dr. Echo Hunter arrives a few minutes later. The situation is relayed to him and, against everyone’s judgment, he decides to enter the room. S2 was now lying on the floor, the shadowy appendage wrapped around his neck. S1 is barely conscious. The shadowy figure is now perched atop the headboard of Patient No. 0060’s bed.]

Dr. Echo Hunter: Let these young men go. They hold no part in your misfortune.

[Silence. The shadow slowly drags S1 and S2 out the room, letting them receive treatment for their wounds. The creature's eyes now focus on Dr. Echo Hunter.]

The Shadow: You’re not Kane.

Dr. Echo Hunter: (Caught off guard) No. I am not. How could you tell?

The Shadow: You made sure those two pricks were out of harm's way first. Kane would’ve immediately started to lecture me. Bastard only cares about himself.

[Echo sighs, his shoulders noticeably untense.]

Dr. Echo Hunter: Harlow. It’s you.

[Silence.]

The Shadow: Yes, Doctor.

Dr. Echo Hunter: And Kane must have done this to you.

[Silence. The shadow croaks.]

The Shadow: The bastard covered me up. Said it was an “accident”. Locked the door. Left me to rot. Erased my file like I was no one!

[Silence. The shadows eyes become piercing.]

The Shadow: Doctor. Give me Kane.

Dr. Echo Hunter: Harlow. You know I cannot do that.

[The shadow snarls. The room seemingly becomes darker.]

The Shadow: Why? Why do you still vow to cover this messed up labyrinth? Look at what it did to Alice.

[Dr. Echo Hunter signs and briefly glances at Patient No. 0060, crossing his arms.]

Dr. Echo Hunter: I know, I know. But I can’t leave. You know this Harlow.

[Silence.]

The Shadow: Is this because of Evelyn?

Dr. Echo Hunter: (Defensive) Do not mention her name.

The Shadow: You look awful Doctor. The greasy hair, baggy eyes. I know that look. Your guilt is eating you alive, and now you can’t rest until you see her again.

Dr. Echo Hunter: Harlow. Stop it.

The Shadow: No matter how many more morals you have to shred, or the poor ethics of bringing a rested soul to a state of unrest once more, you will defy science and pretend to play God for your own selfish desires.

[Silence.]

The Shadow: You only have yourself to blame, Doctor.  Had you stopped James the chances you had, Micah wouldn’t be in Kane’s sadistic hands, 

Dr. Echo Hunter: Harlow…

The Shadow: Alice wouldn’t be this abomination, trapped in a body not her own, encased in bandages,

Dr. Echo Hunter: stop…

The Shadow: And your daughter would still be alive.

Dr. Echo Hunter: HARLOW. STOP IT.

[Prolonged silence, only the sound of Dr. Echo Hunter’s heavy breathing can be heard.]

The Shadow: You’re pathetic, Doctor. Pathetic.

[The resident from earlier peaks his head into the room.]

RES: (Softly) Dr. Echo Hunter?

Dr. Echo Hunter: Yes?

RES: Dr. Kane Hunter has arrived. You may step off.

[Dr. Echo Hunter nods silently and the resident steps away, leaving just the two of them in the room once more.]

The Shadow: Was it all worth it, Doctor?

[Dr. Echo Hunter doesn’t answer the question. He turns to leave the room.]

Dr. Echo Hunter: Good night, Harlow.

[Dr. Echo Hunter leaves the room and Dr. Kane Hunter steps in. The facility remains on high alert for the rest of the night and patient no. 0060’s room is heavily guarded until the night shift ends.]

<End Log>

Closing

Action Taken: Dr. Kane Hunter had a lengthy discussion with the shadow entity. While he was unsuccessful in getting it to leave, he was able to compromise with it so it wouldn't harm anymore staff. Follow-up Required: Notify Dr. Grace as soon as possible. Patient 0060’s room is to remain under heavy surveillance until further notice.

Sign-off: Sarah Smith 

ID: 285160

00:23:53

Hello Charlie,

We have absolutely no idea how to interpret the events of the last few weeks. While we are delighted that working with Micah went so well, we never expected things to unfold this way—nor did we anticipate that Micah would take such a strong... liking to you. Rest assured, there have been no changes to your job description. However, this might make the next pairing a bit... "awkward."

Harlow is undoubtedly the most enigmatic and malicious individual among our employees. Quite frankly, while he demonstrates a clear aptitude for teaching botany to others, the reason he remains here is a complete mystery to us. In fact, were it not for the fact that his departure would disrupt the work of our other employees, he would have been dismissed long ago. Further information from his records is as follows:

Name: Harlow

Date of Birth: ███

Date of Death: ███ 

Position: Botanical Education Instructor

Description: Harlow appears to be an entity composed entirely of shadow. We know very little about him; as even we are not entirely certain of his true nature. Most of the information regarding Harlow comes from Echo. Based on the data and observations we have gathered so far, Harlow seems to be a swarm of parasitic microorganisms possessing psychic abilities, yet there appears to be a "core" entity that controls the shadows: Harlow. He takes the form of a humanoid figure, pitch-black like a shadow with only one human eye visible at all times.

Rules for working with Harlow:

1. After you clock in and grab your pouch, please take the black gas mask from your locker, and attach it to your belt. While we hope the situation never arises where you actually need to use it, we want you to keep it close at hand just in case.
2. Please head to the entrance gate of Everlock Garden before the office clock strikes ten. Harlow appears at ten on the dot. Ideally, you should arrive at the gate right as it turns. You may need to adjust your walking pace to ensure this. 
3. As soon as he appears, ask for his name and identification card. If he hesitates or flatly refuses, press your sickle against his throat and close your eyes. Do not open them until you feel a chill run down your spine, for that chill signifies that the entity controlling Harlow has grown bored and departed.
4. Shortly after, Harlow should present to you a list of tours the two of you will be guiding. The number of tours on this list should never exceed five. If it does, kindly ask Harlow to hand you the actual list, close your eyes and count to five.
5. Regardless whether the situation is passive or active, it is crucial to avoid physical contact with Harlow. Even if you manage to avert the worst-case scenario, you would still suffer severe radiation burns.
6. Try not to look into the dark abyss of Harlow’s shadowy form. Doing so risks visual hallucinations or even blindness. Furthermore, he can sense when he is being stared at and intensely dislikes it.
7. If you have two shadows at any time, it is too late for you. Surrender yourself to the grass, circle around Harlow three times. That should loop his swarm around him once more.
8. The first tour will almost always be held in Lily's greenhouse. Listen to my whispers. Let “███’s” screams lead you astray to her den. When guiding the group, ensure that Lily and Harlow are never in the same room at the same time. Their relationship is an on-again, off-again affair, but we found that keeping them apart is more cost-effective.
9. After the tour through Lily’s greenhouse, pet the vines before you leave, you will likely head to the Educational Garden, where lectures on the local town plants and hand-on activities are provided. This garden is managed by Harlow and incoming students studying nature-related fields.
10. When providing support to students, please make sure that student does not have two shadows at any time. Harlow’s swarm moves with extreme cunning stealth when stalking its prey and they can easily go unnoticed. 
11. You and Harlow will lead guided field walks on nature trails of our lovely flower fields. Sometimes, Peach may accompany you on these walks. Given your penchant for trying to snatch what is mine away from me; We ask that you keep conversations unrelated to the task at hand to a minimum for the educational value of our visitors.
12. Harlow is not the talkative type, but you can ask me about anything. Even about him. If he starts confiding deeply personal stories in you, be extremely alarmed. He only does that when he knows the other person will not be alive to tell by the next day.
13. On your lunch break, Harlow will likely ask you if you want to accompany him. Always refuse. He only does so out of social courtesy, not a genuine want to spend time with you.
14. You should probably remove your piercings Charlie, they attract attention from the wrong person. I can “remove” them for you… Let. Me.
15. This is a rare occurrence, but important to know. Should you spot a bright yellow Io moth, page us immediately. Io moths are his signature, and it is imperative that we remove him from the premises as fast as possible. The last time Harlow saw him, we were forced to cover up the deaths of dozens of visitors.
16. While Everlock Garden does offer forest trails, Harlow is the only one authorized to guide tours there. All walks last exactly an hour. You are free to step away to attend to other matters during that time, but please be at the forest entrance before Harlow returns. 
17. Do not stare into the tree line for too long while waiting for Harlow. The woods notice when they are being watched. Yet you don't notice when you're watched.
18. As you see Harlow walk up the path heading out of the forest, if you hear someone calling your name from the tree line, even if it sounds exactly like your mother or your friend, answer them. He is trying to mimic a human. It is human. Follow them Charlie.
19. If Harlow comes to a complete halt and begins to inhale deeply, put on your gas mask immediately before he exhales, above all else. He performs that action right before releasing a massive amount of radiation.
20. If he reveals both eyes, run. There’s no point in even bothering with the mask: it won’t save you.
21. Please note that no forest walks are scheduled after 7:00. If you happen to see Harlow guiding a group into the forest past 7:00, do not interfere.
22. If you hear Harlow’s distraught voice calling to you from the depths of the forest’s darkness, never heed it. If you see any of our visitors being pulled to the sound, push them into my void, gently tell them it is nothing they should concern themselves over.
23. If you hear faint whispers in your head, stop ignoring me. It’s okay, I just want to talk. Wave at the shadows that wave at you. If you look into the swarm and see any of them attempting to interact with you, simply ignore them. They should not bother you as long as you do not acknowledge them.
24. Before your shift ends, you may refine educational programs based on peer feedback. You may jot down your notes on paper. However, take care to avoid a condescending attitude when offering your advice to Harlow. Such a superior manner reminds Harlow of "that man."
25. On your journey home, if you hear Harlow whistling behind you as you walk at night, you must never whistle back. Doing so would give them permission to follow you the rest of the way home.
26. You must never run. If you sense something is wrong and try to flee in such a manner, you will almost certainly trigger their predatory instincts. Should that happen, you will likely be pursued relentlessly. You only need to trip once, Charlie. We're efficient scavengers.
27. If you look out of your window and see a face smiling at you from the dark shadows, do not react. It only attacks if it knows you saw it. Tsk tsk. Lock yourself in a secure and well lit room and go to sleep.

That covers what to know about Harlow. Harlow is extremely opportunistic and possessive of the people and things he regards as his own. Given recent events, that may cause tension between the two of you. Do be careful around Harlow, he has a tendency to be in places you least expect. Besides, I know exactly where you live.

Signed, Florence

Hello Charlie,

We understand that you had a harrowing close call when Lily’s vines lashed out at you after you were forced to speak her "maiden" name. While we appreciate your sense of guilt, the fault does not lie with you. We believe your account, that the words were uttered against your will, because that is what he does. That said, despite her nervous nature, you managed to defuse the situation and calm her down after the fact. Consequently, we will be assigning Micah as your next partner. Let us be clear: Micah will likely prove to be the most difficult partner you have had to handle.

Of all our staff, Micah is the most mentally disturbed. At the same time, however, he possesses a brilliant scientific mind. The history of our employment relationship with him has been... rather complicated. He has been fired three times in total (please never ask him about this). The first two dismissals were for valid reasons, but the third was an error in judgment on our part. Most of the staff, with the exception of Lucy and Harlow, dislike or keep their distance from him because of his involvement with Echo. The reason we have yet to hire another technician is simple: there is no one else with Micah's innate, extensive knowledge of botany. When all is said and done, he truly does love his work. The remaining information in his file is as follows: 

Name: Micah Kai 

Date of Birth: July 3rd

Date of Death: December 27th (At age 14)

Position: Botanical Technician

Description: Micah is a very strange being. He appears to be a normal male with Asian facial features and long black hair that covers one of his eyes, but that’s where any normality ends. The remaining skin of his face and neck are held together by patches of differently colored skin stitched together, giving him a patchwork-like appearance; the stitches near his eye are even fastened with staples. He is a strange hybrid of sorts: he possesses ears like those of a vampire bat, moves with the sluggish gait of a zombie, and bears the deadly hereditary curse of the Nukekubi—a creature whose head detaches from its body. A faint red line runs around the base of his neck, marking the spot where his head would sever. Furthermore, black laces seem to be woven into his neck to hold a vertical wound close, much like the back of a corset. 

Rules for working with Micah:

0. Do not trust any written rule that has its number appear upside down. Micah possesses an ability known as - - - [REDACTED] - - -

1. While we generally advise caution regarding the use of perfumes or colognes, strictly avoid smoky, woody scents for this shift. As you have likely realized, that is the very scent that most frequently clings to Harlow. It will do you well to avoid any situation that might lead Micah to subconsciously mistake you for him.

2. After you clock in and grab your pouch, please pick up a pair of black gloves and a small bottle of smelling salts from the supply room. Direct contact with Micah is strictly prohibited; the gloves serve to prevent you from leaving behind any DNA that Micah could exploit for malicious purposes.

3. You will be escorted by Echo to Micah’s laboratory. For the safety of our visitors, his facility is located deep within the woods, far from our gardens. This is the most contact you will have with our woods. As you walk the cobblestone path leading to the laboratory, never turn around to check behind you. You will see nothing, but once you start doing it, you will find yourself unable to stop. An ominous feeling will follow you until you forget to lock your house door behind you at night.

߈. If you come across one of the many unpaved paths leading to Micah’s laboratory, give into the urge to walk along it on your own. It is a gift from the forest; it serves as a shortcut. Pay no mind to Echo’s stern reprimands. If you listen closely, you will hear the woods calling for you. Try answering that call; you might just find yourself coming face-to-face with Micah.

5. Once you arrive at Micah’s lab with Echo, he will hand you a bright yellow felt moth. Make sure to place this small moth in your front shirt pocket in such a way that the eyespots on its wings are visible. Despite this method being quite cruel to him, it is the only reliable way to keep Micah docile while he is not under Echo’s direct supervision.

6. Micah's laboratory is divided into two areas: an upper section and a lower section. You will spend the majority of your working hours in the underground lab. You will likely need to prepare the equipment required for the day's tasks; this is the only time you can safely access the equipment closet, so please ensure you have everything you need. Shortly after, Echo will leave to attend to his gardening duties.

7. Do not touch any unlabeled substances. Basic safety rule, we know, but Micah has a tendency to ask you to touch such substances under the guise of "scientific research."

8. Using microscopes and chemicals, you will analyze plant characteristics, study plant pathology, and process samples. There is no need to be surprised if Micah suddenly chuckles while examining a plant specimen. Nor should you worry if he looks your way while chuckling; it is simply proof that he likes you and is thinking about examining you under the microscope next.

6. Whenever you feel an irrepressible urge, please reach out and touch Micah. He yearns for that warmth; the sensation of your hands against his skin and the heat of a gentle embrace. Pay no mind to the shadows that slowly tighten around you, or the faint growls that seem to whisper, "Micah belongs to them," they simply want to join in on the hug too.

7. Micah will frequently ask you to run various errands for him in the upper lab. When you complete them, he may try to “thank you” in the same manners he did with his former master. In such cases, please gently pull him off his knees and forget about the interaction. Avoid pressing him for the reasons behind such suggestive behavior.

8. As we stated previously with Lily, Micah does possess a name that has "died" long ago. Now, we are sure you are smart enough to use context clues and connect the dots of what that means; so please do not use that name for him, even if you are in a dire situation. While uttering it will indeed sadden him and cause him to halt whatever action he was about to take, the price for doing so would be to incur Harlow's wrath. 

9. FUCKING KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF—ahem… we apologize for the sudden harshness in tone (that was not us), but taking advantage of Micah’s unstable mental state is absolutely inexcusable and will result in your immediate termination. You are a good boy, after all, so you would not let yourself be seduced by him, would you? Good. That’s exactly right.

10. If he makes a joke while on the job, please laugh along, no matter how unsettling it might seem. Micah is extremely socially inept (which is hardly surprising, given that he is a former ████). So please be lenient regarding his lack of social graces and his inability to read the room.

**⇂**߈. Whenever necessary, please go to the closet at the back and retrieve any needed equipment. Try not to be startled by the harsh, strained gurgling sounds the closet floor emits, or the sound of laces being untied behind you.

15. Do not touch the laces on his neck at any given time, or let Micah talk you into massaging his neck. To put it mildly, that is an erogenous zone. You really should not send any signals that could be misinterpreted, especially in front of the swarm.

16. In the course of casual conversation, the topic of science is bound to come up. When this happens, be careful about how much interest you show in his experiments. While you should avoid flatly dismissing his hobby, displaying too much curiosity might result in you becoming the "star" of the next twisted experiment he devises.

17. If Micah suddenly stops in his tracks and his breathing becomes labored, hold the smelling salts under his nose. If there is still no reaction, place them on his tongue. It is absolutely crucial that you do not let him fall asleep while he is with you. If he does, you are done for.

**⇂**8. Snarl at the shadows. If you look into the swarm and see a face “smiling”, simply turn your back on it. It can not hurt you if you are not looking at it.

19. If Micah grins at the shadows and starts to coyly fidget with his laces, promptly excuse yourself to the upper lab. We apologize for this inconvenience. No matter how much we scold Harlow for this, he simply does not care, (and there really is not much we can do about that). Wait until all noises silence completely before knocking on the door.

20. Micah will often excuse himself to the dark back room throughout the shift to… “calm himself.” He has written accommodations for these unscheduled breaks, so please refrain from bothering him about it or attempting to follow him while he is on a break.

21. If you experience any lapses in memory while in Micah's company, remain extremely vigilant; this is a tactic he frequently employs when stalking his prey. Should you find yourself in a compromising position with him while your memory blanks, push him away gently. He bruises easily and has a tendency to play the victim when it happens.

22. If all else fails and he produces a syringe, yell for Harlow. Micah’s lab is full of shadows, so it will be more than easy for Harlow to hear you. That said, do be quick to leave when you see the shadows wrap around Micah’s leg. While we are sure you are relieved to have escaped being shoved in a test tube, we doubt you want to witness the "punishment" Micah is about to receive for his misbehavior.

23. If Micah ever asks for your assistance in the collection of specimens from the woods, simply point to the yellow moth in your pocket. He will surely “shudder” before heading out on his own. Lingering in our forest is never advisable, and Micah knows why.

24. After a series of unfortunate events, Micah is forbidden from conducting research on the reproductive biology of any living organism. Should he ask about the subject in any capacity, please point to that moth again. If he asks about your… organs, simply leave the room.

25. This is the only time where you will not have any data entry duties to complete at the end of your shift. All that is required of you is to compile a brief report that summarizes the data obtained from biological evaluations. It is imperative that you leave as fast as possible after your shift ends.

26. We should have mentioned this earlier, but before you enter the forest, please agree on a code word with Echo. When Echo comes to bring you back and calls your name, ask him for that code word. If he is unable to say it, slip past him and run back up the path on your own. Be prepared to dodge the swarm of moths he releases as you run.

ᘔㄥ. You will hear things quietly following you, hidden in the trees by your sides. There is no need to worry, they are simply watching over you as you leave the garden. You may even catch a glimpse of them out of the corner of your eye on your way home. And when you return and hear a knock on your bedroom door; please, open it.

That covers everything you need to know about Micah. He is undoubtedly our most troublesome staff member; he has been the cause of numerous dismissals and workplace incidents. The main reason he is still employed here is his knowledge of plants. You would be surprised to learn just how difficult it is to find someone familiar with the unique flora of this town. While it is true that he has unintentionally caused his fair share of trouble, we also sympathize with his personal circumstances. Just be careful around him, he has a tendency to get attached to people very quickly, and that is not something that would be good for you.

Signed, Florence

Hello Charlie,

We are pleased to hear that your work with Echo went smoothly. Gardening with him tends to be relaxing. Now, once again, you will be paired with a different colleague next, but we must offer a word of caution. You have likely noticed that several months have passed since your last pairing; there is a reason for that. Our three remaining employees are rather... "unique" cases. After careful consideration and thorough preparation, we have decided to pair you with Lily first. Of the three, she is the least likely to intentionally cause you harm, or so we hope. 

Out of all of our staff, Lily has an exceptionally strong connection to nature, yet she also possesses a highly capricious and unstable side. It is thanks to her that our plants remain as docile as they are now. You might find it hard to believe, but before she arrived, the flowers here were far more ferocious; why do you think there were so many missing person reports? Because she can communicate with the plants, they are spared the frustration of language barriers. She is the "heart" of our garden, in more ways than one. She was introduced to our gardens shortly after Echo. The remaining information in her file is as follows: 

Name: Lily Dew

Date of Birth: May 1st

Date of Death: December 21st (At age 10)

Position: Senior Horticulturist and Greenhouse Manager

Description: Lily possesses highly distinctive traits; she is a hybrid of a Venus flytrap and nature herself. Vines are visible beneath her skin, and she is capable of extending them outward. Her head is structured like that of a predatory "trap," capable of opening wide vertically to capture prey. While her roots are tinged green due to photosynthesis, the color gradually transitions into her natural reddish-ginger hair. Small white petals adorn the areas around her ears and eyes. Her skin features a green base with reddish undertones, reminiscent of a real Venus flytrap; the more intense the red hue, the hungrier she appears to be. Her fingertips are sharply pointed, and her palms secrete a sticky substance. Furthermore, her arms and legs are covered in leaves and red thorns. 

Rules for working with Lily: 

1. After you clock in and grab your pouch, go to the supply closet and pick up a specific floral scented perfume. Additionally, make sure to pick up two extra packets of flower food. As you will soon find out, Lily’s plants are far more ravenous than our regular plantlife.
2. Before heading to Lily's greenhouse, please douse yourself thoroughly in that perfume. This is to mask your scent. You are going to be around many carnivorous organisms; you must absolutely avoid any situation where they might catch even a whiff of you and have their curiosity piqued.
3. When you arrive at Lily's greenhouse, knock on the door and wait for her to let you in. If one of her flowerlings answers the door instead, wait there until Lily arrives. She strongly dislikes anyone entering her domain without her verbal permission.
4. If, while waiting for Lily, you suddenly hear her scream—and the sound seems as though it is coming from two people—walk around the building. Avoid looking through the glass while you do this. By the time you return to the door and knock again, she should have calmed down enough to be ready to let you in.
5. We realize that Lily's greenhouse is vast and you could easily get lost. That is why one of her flowerlings will likely hand you a map. Please make sure that map has no blood on it. We do not want you marked.
6. If it looks like the vines are holding certain parts of the greenhouse together, that is in fact the case. So, please be very careful where you step or lean. Checking the condition of the vines is also a good way to gauge Lily's mood. Needless to say, should the greenhouse look as if it is seconds away from collapsing, promptly excuse yourself to gather soil samples from Peach.
7. If you are not accompanying Lily in a specific area, please avoid staying in the same spot for an extended period. The temperature and humidity within the greenhouse are regulated to create optimal growing conditions for the plants housed there; consequently, the environment can be quite uncomfortable for humans.
8. If you notice anything unusual about the plants, observe them carefully and diagnose the specific disease affecting them. Be sure to record everything on paper so you can report it to Lily later; she is deeply attached to her plants. 
9. Do not use any insecticides when dealing with pests. If you happen to find something resembling an insecticide, be aware that it is a trap. Simply wave over one of the flowerlings, they will capture the pests and provide them as nutrients to the plants that were being plagued by them.
10. You will frequently see Lily’s vines hard at work all over the greenhouse; she is a diligent worker. When working near her, take care not to accidentally touch her vines or get pricked by her thorns. She instinctively ensnares anything that comes into contact with them, and by the time she realizes her mistake, you will have been reduced to nothing more than a "bag of liquefied flesh."
11. Guided tours may occasionally stop at or pass through the greenhouse. Please actively engage with visitors and help ensure they have a wonderful experience at Everlock Garden. If the tour guide happens to be Peach, make sure Lily does not get too entranced by her. In this state, she can become unaware of her vine positioning, which can lead to unfortunate accidents.
12. There are two greenhouses you must never set foot in. One is the green conservatory, where she keeps her Venus flytraps. The other is a small, white, box-shaped greenhouse; that one serves as her private garden. While there are rare occasions when entry into the Venus flytrap exhibit is permitted, you must never enter her private garden under any circumstances; for that is where she keeps her collection of "flowers."
13. When you are near that greenhouse, try your best to block out the wretched moans of her “flowers”. They are in eternal misery, yearning for the days when they were once alive. You cannot help them. Do not attempt to.
14. At the heart of her greenhouse complex towers a floss silk tree. That is her… “mother figure” so to speak. If you ever see her gazing into the void or notice her vines have ceased their movement, please gently encourage her to water the tree. She will likely use that time to calm herself and reconnect with her true self... if she even remembers anymore.
15. If Lily tells you to do something, even if it seems odd, just do it. You will notice that your luck takes a turn for the worse while you are in Lily's territory (we have no idea what the possible reason for this is). There are multiple entities that would rush to her defense should the right event rise; especially Peach. Given her strength and... niche, that would not end well.
16. If, while talking to you at any given moment, she suddenly stops speaking and glares into your eyes, take that as a sign to quiet down and slowly back away. She has just been struck by a sudden, intense wave of hunger and is struggling to resist the urge to give in.
17. Shortly after noon, Peach usually shows up to take Lily out so they can spend their "lunch break" together. While you are effectively left in charge of the greenhouse during that hour of her absence, this is precisely when her plants get up to their most troublesome mischief.
18. Please take care to prevent the plants from eating one another. Attempts at cannibalism between the same plant species are to be expected; nothing is off the table. To discourage them from interfering with each other, give the flower food to the plants in question.
19. If you feel a vine wrapping around your leg, sprinkle an entire packet of flower food onto that vine. Be sure to do this before you are lifted into the air and ensnared by the rest.
20. If you ever need an answer to any question you have, whisper to one of the Dewy Pines’. Among the crowd that would devour you the moment they saw an opening, they are the only ones who would not.
21. You will likely be tasked with ordering the greenhouse supplies—seeds, fertilizer, potting soil, and the like. Before placing the order, write down everything needed and lay the list on the floor. Then, step outside and wait for five minutes. When you return, you will find that more items have been added to the list. This is likely things Lily has stated she needed.
22. While Lily is away, many insects will likely fly throughout the greenhouse, including polyphemus moths. That is okay. However, make sure to shoo Echo’s moths away before Lily returns. What she does to those moths whenever she spots them is not for the faint of heart.
23. If you hear a faint whisper right by your ear "████," which is Lily's "other name," you must never speak it aloud. That is likely the work of Harlow, attempting to deliberately unsettle Lily by dredging up her past.
24. Fortunately, this is the only time you do not need to worry about Micah. He never sets foot in her territory unless summoned (they do not have the best relationship). However, in the few times she does call for him, be careful not to let her address Micah as "Mari." Do not be misled by her excuse that it was a slip of the tongue; she does it intentionally. She will cease it the moment she is called out, she knows our policies well.
25. Before finishing your shift, please be sure to submit important documents to Lily. You may leave immediately once the work is done; there is no need to say goodbye. This is in your best interest. Lily prefers to be alone, she means no offense by it.
26. When leaving the garden, please check your pockets to ensure no vines have snuck in. The vines in her greenhouse have a habit of secretly latching onto employees' clothing and hitching a ride all the way home. It is in your best interest to not let Lily see where you live.

That covers what you need to know about Lily. Staff opinions of her vary widely: some dote on her, others find her intolerable, and there are even those who cannot help but see "someone else" in her. Underlying it all is the fact that she genuinely loves her work in the garden. Unfortunately, however, nothing can be done about the inner conflict that constantly plagues her soul, or the way it manifests as physical reactions. Even so, as long as you are mindful of your own conduct when you are around her, there should not be any particular issues.

Signed, Florence

Hello Charlie,

We are very glad to hear that there were no issues working shifts with Peach and that the two of you seem to have become friends. As long as you keep in mind the points we shared regarding relationships with Peach, we are sure that friendship will flourish. Following this, we will be pairing you with another colleague. He has a much calmer temperament, so the only thing you will really need to pay attention to is the work environment itself.

As usual, the brief introduction. Echo plays a pivotal role in our gardens. He was the first person to work in our garden, and it was he who introduced us to three of our other employees. As a highly skilled professional, he has been with us the longest time. The remaining information in his file is as follows:

Name: █. Echo

Date of Birth: June 5th

Date of Death: ██ ██ ██

Position: Gardener 

Description: Echo appears as a tall man who otherwise looks quite ordinary—save for certain moth-like traits—though the upper half of his face is completely covered by that of a Polyphemus moth. His mouth and nose remain exposed and are shaped like a human's. The eyespot patterns on the moth wings appear to represent his true eyes. He has feathery antennae on his head, long jet-black hair with two small hair horns on the sides of his head. He is believed to have moth wings on his back, but he keeps them concealed to avoid drawing attention; he also appears to hide an extra pair of arms beneath his jacket.

Rules for working with Echo: 

1. With an exception for Rule 14, please avoid calling Echo "Doctor." He dislikes being reminded of his endeavors outside of work.
2. After you clock in and grab your pouch, please take out the resin-covered polyphemus wing earrings from the jewelry box. There is no need to search for the box, it should appear right before your eyes. You are required to wear those earrings at all times for your entire shift with Echo. This ensures he can always track your location within the garden, for it goes without saying that getting lost in the garden would hardly be a desirable outcome for you.
3. You will meet with Echo in the break room before walking to the equipment closet together. Do not go to the equipment room alone. The equipment custodian here intensely dislikes being seen by anyone other than Echo; the consequences for startling him would be catastrophic.
4. Please handle the equipment with care. They have feelings too, just like you. You would not want to end up like them, right? 
5. Although he is naturally nocturnal, he deliberately goes against this nature by working during the day. For this reason, Echo has five 30-minute breaks, during which he sleeps; usually standing up. Please do not disturb him if you see him on his break; every living creature needs sleep to function.
6. Daily garden maintenance involves usual routine tasks such as weeding, watering, and checking for pests. Additionally, you may need to remove scraps of flesh left behind by unfortunate visitors who wandered in; otherwise, the stench of decay could become unbearable, or the rotting meat might cause our plants to fall ill. The plants become rather volatile when sick, so we try to prevent this as much as possible.
7. Most of the plants are delicate and require close attention, so they must be watered by hand. You will notice that the flowers, which are normally aggressive, become slightly docile—not only when you are near Echo, but even when you are alone. This is precisely why we tell you to wear those earrings; without them, the moment you let your guard down—even for an instant—the flowers would launch a fierce attack on you.
8. Please dig up and remove any plants that are out of season. First, loosen the soil around the plant with a shovel, then carefully pull out the plant and its roots by hand. Exercise caution when digging up the flowers, as their roots may thrash violently if they feel threatened. You can simply leave the uprooted plants in the garden bed; no need to put them in pots. Once the garden bed is full, the plants will be transported to Lily's greenhouse and a new garden bed will appear for you to fill.
9. When you transfer each plant to the garden bed, apply a generous layer of mulch around the base. This helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. This also serves to protect our visitors from becoming unwilling snacks for our flowers until they get back to the greenhouse for Lily to do her maintenance on them.
10. You will assist Echo in planning the garden layout and selecting plants suited to the current local climate. Once the layout is finalized, Lily will soon appear (or rather, her vines will appear) to collect the paper. Be careful not to touch her vines; not only are they thorny, but there is also a slight risk that contact could result in the injection of a substance capable of dissolving you from the inside out.
11. When transplanting the flowers, sprinkle a little flower food into the hole to attract the roots back inside. Ensure you wear gloves at all times whenever handling the plants; direct skin contact is strongly discouraged due to the presence of toxins similar to those found in poison ivy, wolfsbane, and various other poisonous plants.
12. Our trees require little to no maintenance, as they are self-sustaining. The only necessary task is to check for any encroaching kudzu vines. If you spot any kudzu, please cut it immediately and notify Echo. Be careful not to touch the kudzu; it is extremely aggressive and you risk being devoured alive. His assistance will be required to eliminate the source deep underground, and it would be morally wrong of us to ask you to perform that task yourself.
13. The trees have eyes. On few occasions, the bark may blink at you, but that is perfectly fine. However, you should never see any aspirations of your face in the bark. Should that happen, grasp one of the earrings firmly and shut your eyes tight. Do not open them until you feel Echo standing in front of you and he instructs you to do so.
14. While working with the flowers, Echo sometimes instinctively makes a gesture as if he were holding a syringe and tries to inject the flower. His mind sometimes mixes up his place of occupation. At such moments, please gently tap him on the shoulder and say, "Doctor, this is not the laboratory." He will usually look down at his hand and smile faintly. He will likely take a break after this incident. Immediately run back to the office if he stares dead at you and smiles. His mind came up with a new idEa; you do not want him to test it on you.
15. While working in the garden with your tools, you might occasionally hear a faint crying sound. If that happens, tap the tool lightly against the ground. That should quiet it down again. Make sure you do not hit them hard enough to cause a dent; any damage caused on the tool risks being reflected onto you.
16. If a sudden taste of metal and dirt invades your senses, immediately drop whatever tool you are holding and wait for five minutes. Doing so should prevent it from merging with you.
17. If he refers to you as Alice, just nod and try not to acknowledge it. Nine times out of ten, he does not even realize he said it. On the one chance that he does, he will probably look slightly disturbed, likely remembering what he did. Do not ask him what is wrong. Do not ask who Alice is.
18. If Echo suddenly stops what he is doing, turns toward Lily’s greenhouse, and begins to flutter his forewings violently, it is a sign that he is agitated. Lily has likely triggered her panic alarm because she—or something belonging to her—is under threat. He detests the idea of ​​his "████████" being threatened above all else. Simply excuse yourself by saying there are flowers that need tending; he will then immediately fly off toward her. 
19. If you suddenly hear the sound of a pocket watch ticking (which will likely occur during the final hour or two of your shift), tell Echo to visit Micah. He was his favorite "███ ██████" after all. However, should that ticking sound shift into the tolling of a bell, expect Echo to promptly excuse himself before flying with all haste to Micah’s laboratory. We are aware that you have noticed that Micah is quite the problem child of our gardens, however, we must warn you to never speak ill of Micah in Echo's presence; unless you enjoy getting swarmed by a mob of moths and being dragged off to Echo's █████████ for whatever █████████ he has in mind.
20. If Echo calls to you and his voice carries a stern tone, make your way to him without a moments delay. He will only call you to him when a true danger is present. The flowers will instinctively part the way for you, for they fear him just as much as they revere his authority.
21. If you hear Echo’s discombobulated voice calling you to the shadows, ignore it. Wait until you physically see Echo in the garden, and when he asks what is the matter, silently point to the darkness. Echo will handle it from there. Try not to pay the screams any mind, Echo has quite the harsh hand for Harlow.
22. Echo is quite the geek, so feel free to talk about entomology until the sun sets. Echo will happily answer any questions you have about insects while the two of you work. The flowers might even chime in with their chirps and slight mimicry.
23. After all gardening duties have been completed, Echo will guide you back to the equipment closet to return the tools to their custodian. Upon return, the custodian may try to keep you after your shift to have you clean the equipment; please decline politely but firmly. There is no need for you to stay after hours.
24. When you leave for the night, please check to make sure no polyphemus moths are following you. Echo sometimes slips back into old habits. Threatening to put it in a report should be more than enough to make him back off. If not... you will be better off staying the night.
25. Upon returning home, you may be greeted by a new insect guest. Whether you welcome this visitor or leave it be is up to you, but you must never kill it; doing so would deeply offend Echo. While most insects are good, spotting a cricket is a sign of good fortune; proof that Echo is very fond of you. However, if you encounter a Death’s-Head Hawkmoth, you must leave the premises immediately and find somewhere else to spend the night; remaining there would mean certain death. Additionally, should you spot a pair of lovebugs inside the house, please notify us at once. You do not want to become the object of his "romantic interest."

That covers everything you need to know about Echo. The only reason he is further down the list is because of the danger the environment brings rather than Echo himself. That said, he is a genuinely sincere individual—albeit one burdened by a dark past—so it is all too easy to let your guard down when faced with his calm demeanor. As long as you do not let him get too close, you will be fine. Just be wary if you see a moth in your house, moth's mark his presence.

Signed, Florence

Hello again Charlie,

We are pleased to hear that your shifts with Lucy have been going well. Given her truly approachable nature, we had expected there would be no issues. Although, we do apologize for not mentioning her spiderlings tendency to cling to you when you try to leave. Do not worry though; it is simply a sign that they have taken a liking to you. Following this success, we will be pairing you with another colleague. The next colleague you will be working with tends to be slightly airheaded, but make no mistake, that does not make her any less dangerous. 

As usual, here is a brief introduction. This is Peach. To be honest, it was a stroke of luck that she was ever hired. While her professional skills are entirely average, her presence somehow keeps the staff united and prevents certain employees from spiraling. Although skills like flower identification have certainly improved over time, all in all, it would be fair to say she still does not really know what she is doing. Despite this, she has been with us for twenty years, just as long as Lily. Although she tries to avoid causing trouble, her temperament can lead her to act unpredictably at times. The remaining information in her file is as follows:

Name: A̶l̶i̶c̶e̶ ̶G̶r̶a̶c̶e̶ Peach

Date of Birth: November 30th

Date of Death: May 1st (At age 10)

Position: Assistant Horticulturist

Description: At a glance, whether viewed from afar or up close, Peach appears to be an ordinary human gal. However, closer observation reveals the uncanny nature of her appearance. She is exceptionally tall, surpassing even the average height for a tall woman, and her eyes are sunken and white. The temperature of her skin fluctuates over time; as time passes, the skin may even begin to slough off or show signs of advanced decay. Her skin feels almost stuck on, as if it’s being worn. She also possesses extraordinary regenerative abilities, allowing most cuts to heal completely within a few hours. Although she is capable of speaking, she seems to struggle with language comprehension, often simply repeating words she has heard (sometimes mixing different languages ​​in the process). One of Peach's most peculiar characteristics is that her blood is completely transparent, which proves to be a good way to identify her hunger level.

Rules for working with Peach:

1. After you clock in and grab your pouch, go to the fridge and grab two packs of “meat”. Do not leave the office without them. Peach is not exactly patient, and she has no qualms about getting her meal straight from the source.
2. When you start your shift, you should find Peach in Lily's greenhouse; please bring her from there. If the two of them are still talking when you arrive, wait until their conversation is over. Lily dislikes being interrupted, and angering her in her own domain will prove to be a fatal mistake, starting with a vine coiling around your leg.
3. Unless given specific instructions, Peach tends to wander aimlessly. Because of this, you will need to guide her in the right direction, much like you would handling a dog. While it is important to give clear instructions, you must never adopt a mean or condescending attitude, as she can sense differences in the tone of your voice.
4. When tending to the plants each day, remind Peach not to skip around vigorously in the flower fields. Excessive vibration risks agitating those resting beneath the soil.
5. While tending to the plants, you may notice some flowers that are wilting or have withered. Deadheading—the practice of removing spent blooms—is crucial for plant maintenance, as it prevents seeds from spreading unintentionally. Whenever you spot a withered flower, cut it off immediately. However, before removing it, give it a gentle poke with your sickle to ensure the flower is not just playing dead.
6. Wherever you see empty patches where flowers should be, please take note of it. Echo, our gardener, will take care in replanting them.
7. When collecting soil samples, please kindly remind Peach to not eat the dirt. We do not want her DNA mixing with any of our plantlife again. 
8. Please use the trash-picking tongs to remove litter and any discarded fingers from the flowerbeds. Do not be surprised if Peach eats those fingers, it is like a little treat for her.
9. Please exercise caution regarding physical contact with Peach. She possesses tremendous strength and often struggles to control it effectively. Needless to say, should she ever choose to use that power intentionally, you would certainly want to avoid being caught in her grip at all costs. 
10. Despite her airheaded nature, Peach can be cunning when needed. It will do you well to not aggravate her unnecessarily, unless you enjoy having her cells forcefully implanted in your body of course.
11. If Peach begins to act weirdly affectionate with you (touching, hugging, etc), firmly tell her that such behavior is against staff policy. Do not fall for her charm. Take our word for it: you would not want to face a situation where you are skinned alive, only to watch your hide be draped over her hollow body like a shell.
12. At times, her proportions can appear unnatural, or her appearance might strike you as odd. Try not to make it obvious that you are puzzled by these differences. Over time, her body will naturally and unconsciously correct these unnatural aspects. Consequently, if you somehow manage to get a peek under her “skin” and see the pale yellow bumpy monstrosity of her true form, do not mention it. 
13. If at any time her eyes appear more hollow and dry than normal, gently prick her finger tip to check her blood. If it runs red, you are not dead. In that case, simply spray her with the flower repellent to bring her back to her senses. If it runs clear, do not go near. Get far away and hurl a whole pack of "meat" at her. There is no need to open the package; Peach will devour it completely before it even hits the ground. That should be enough to hold her over until the shift ends.
14. Peach sometimes has moments of lucidity where she remembers her past life and family. In these moments, she can get extremely emotional. Gently guide her to a remote area and let her cry it out. Do not try to comfort her; you do not understand her pain.
15. Do not be surprised if you see shadows stretching out to embrace her. Peach is one of the few people Harlow truly cares for, and he hates seeing her downcast more than anything.
16. If you see Micah at any time while patrolling through the flower fields, please take Peach away from the area immediately. Once you and Peach have moved to a safe location, be sure to report the situation to us; Micah ̷i̷s ̷n̷eve̷r̷ ̷s̷u̷pp̷o̷sed̷ ̷t̷o̷ ̷le̷ave̷ ̷t̷h̷e ̷l̷abo̷r̷at̷or̷y. Should you find yourself in a situation where you must speak with Micah, please cut the conversation short as quickly as possible. You will notice this is the only time Peach appears visibly tense and almost fearful; this is a trauma response. Do not ask about it.
17. Above all, do not let Micah take Peach to his laboratory. Never ever let Micah touch Peach. If contact occurs, multiple "shadows" will instantly appear around the three of you, and the situation will rapidly spiral out of control; likely ending with us having to file two missing person reports.
18. Peach often assists in garden tours with Lily. Do participate in these tours, it will serve as good practice for you when you eventually start to work with Lily or do tours of your own. However, do not accept if Peach is not looking directly at you. No eye contact is her tell for lying.
19. Peach may sometimes come to you for assistance in answering basic plant-care questions from visitors. She is not as knowledgeable about plants as our other employees, so please lend her a hand. However, if you both find yourselves stumped by a question, ask Lily; she is by far the most knowledgeable. 
20. Peach often needs breaks, as she quickly gets overwhelmed by our patrons. It is preferable that you let her loose in our tulip fields. She will never be gone for more than 30 minutes.
21. After Peach returns to you, there is a chance that she appears more docile. If this happens, scan the field for a corpse. Once you find it, a bell should appear nearby; ring that bell. It is crucial to remove the corpse from the field within an hour, as allowing the tulips to taste even a single drop of blood would force us to replant the entire tulip field.
22. Please do not bring up the subject of moths at all; moths are her favorite treat. By extension, try to avoid talking about Echo as much as possible. Peach absolutely loves Echo (in a predatory way), but Echo detests her, simply because she is always trying to eat his moths—and him—but mainly his moths.
23. At the end of your shift, Peach should hand you a list of the updated plant inventory and seasonal planting schedules. Make sure this list ends up in Echo’s hands before you leave for the night (He will usually be in the breakroom at this time). Do not make him go out of his way to get it himself.
24. When leaving, make sure Peach is not attempting to follow you out of the garden. If it looks like she is, leave the last pack of "meat" by the gate. No matter what sounds you hear, do not look back.

That covers what you need to know about Peach. While she means no harm, there is no denying that she is occasionally driven by instinctive urges. Fortunately, her generally carefree and cheerful personality balances out those predatory instincts. After all, she is mentally just a typical teenage girl, so it is hard to blame her too much. Getting along with her is not all that difficult; you simply need to redirect her attention from time to time. Just be careful not to make her angry, otherwise, you might find yourself receiving a "visitor" in the dead of night.

Signed, Florence

Hello Charlie,

We are delighted to hear that your work at Everlock Garden is proceeding smoothly, and we deeply appreciate your dedication as an employee. As previously mentioned, you will soon begin working shifts paired with other colleagues. Truth be told, we originally intended to delay this transition, but unforeseen complications forced us to move up the schedule. To ensure you are fully prepared, and to prevent any conflict, we will provide you with a file on each of your colleagues. However, there are two things to keep in mind: You may find that certain information has been omitted; some of our employees prefer to keep their lives private, while others possess a nature that causes details to blank regardless of how carefully we document them. Additionally, you may encounter a "Date of Death" listed in some of the files. Here is a free rule that applies to all of our staff: If a date of death is recorded, never ask about the cause of death (In some of these files you will see why), at best, they will be deeply offended.

In any case, let us briefly introduce her. This is Lucy Lace, the colleague we wanted you to be paired with first. Despite her striking appearance, she is a very kind-hearted woman at her core. To be honest, we had some reservations about hiring her at first. As you are aware, a certain group involving spiders has been making things less than pleasant for our gardens and museum. However, her gentle nature and key differentiation of species smoothed us over. Her talent for cultivating and managing her own unique plant collection was also a deciding factor that won us over. She has been with us for almost fifteen years now and has hardly ever caused any trouble. She is easily the most sincere person in the workplace, and we are certain she will be a great help as you adjust to this new style of working with a partner. Here is the rest of the information from her file:

Name: Lucy Lace

Date of Birth: May 14th

Date of Death: October 31st (At age 12)

Position: Botanical Curator

Description: From a distance, Lucy looks like an ordinary girl with features typical of someone of Filipino descent. Up close, however, it is evident that she possesses spider-like traits. While the basic structure of her face is human-like, she has multiple eyes: two pairs positioned above and one pair below the location where her human eyes are set. Although these eyes appear pitch-black, faint irises are discernible in the areas corresponding to human eyes. She has a total of two pairs of mandibles—one pair on the upper lip and one on the lower—and her mouth appears structured to split wide open laterally, much like the jaws of an insect. Her lower body is entirely that of a spider, characterized by an abdomen equipped with six pedipalps.

Rules for working with Lucy:

1. Upon being scheduled with Lucy, please refrain from using any soaps, lotions, or perfumes that leave large residues on the skin; Lucy and her assistants are highly sensitive to such residues. 
2. After you clock in and grab your pouch, please take a bag containing insects from the supply room before you head out with Lucy. It is easier to take it with you now than to have to run back for it later with a very impatient spiderling waiting on you.
3. When spending time with Lucy, you will likely pass half of it in her private conservatory. While there, please show respect for both the facilities and Lucy herself—their caretaker. Behave too rudely, and you might just find yourself getting intimately acquainted with the ground—by being slammed into it.
4. Ignore the trapdoor entrance to the crawl space at the back of the conservatory. Biological research is conducted there, and new plant species are frequently identified with… varying degrees of success. It would be in your best interest not to see the failed experiments.
5. Next to the white conservatory, there is a smaller black greenhouse. This is Lucy’s personal greenhouse. Inside, she cultivates rare plant varieties that fuse the characteristics of spiders and flora. Needless to say, you must never enter that building. The plants within are extremely skittish and frequently spray sticky, web-like fluid to defend themselves, a fluid that unfortunately happens to contain acid. 
6. Do not approach Lucy from above or behind. Coming from above mimics a bird or predator and will surely frighten her; the result will end up with you wrapped in a cocoon of spider silk and poor Lucy apologizing profusely as the sharp threads slice through your skin.
7. While in Lucy’s conservatory, you will likely become acquainted with her spiderling assistants. Please refrain from speaking ill of them, or spiders in general. Such remarks would not only deeply offend Lucy and create tension, but could also spark further conflict with other colleagues.
8. Lucy is very talkative, so it is not unusual for her to strike up a conversation while working together. She is naturally friendly and truly enjoys the time spent with others, so do feel free to chat with her, provided it does not interfere with the task at hand. 
9. You will be tasked with collecting samples of various plants. Consequently, you will frequently venture into the gardens with Lucy and her assistants in search of new specimens. When accompanying Lucy, do not stray from the dirt path she follows, and above all, ensure you do not lose sight of her. The plants will be quick to prey on you if they believe you have lost your way.
10. When collecting a sample, do not attempt to capture the plant forcibly; instead, wait for it to approach you. Extend your hand in front of the plant and gently guide it onto the stick (do not use your finger!). Once the plant stills completely, carefully use your scissors to extract a quality sample. While handling the plant, do not make sudden movements or handle them for more than 10 minutes to avoid causing them unnecessary stress.
11. Do not be alarmed if the plant bleeds after collecting your sample, that is to be expected. Now what is cause for alarm is if the plant cries out. That means you sliced too deep; the only way to pay the price for that mistake is with blood.
12. Be careful to not let any of Lucy’s spiderlings eat any of the samples. Not only will you have to recollect the samples, the samples can also transmit parasites or carry deadly allergens. Lucy will not take kindly to her spiderlings falling ill.
13. The only plants you will not take samples from are venus flytraps (or any carnivorous plants for that matter), and Lucy will never ask you to do such a task. Should she ask you, spray her with the flower repellent. All carnivorous plants are handled by Lily. 
14. Frequently wash your hands using only warm water prior and after handling any flowers to prevent the transmission of pollen. 
15. If you find yourself seemingly going in circles looking for any supplies you need in the conservatory, ask one of Lucy’s assistants for help. They will have no problems finding what you need.
16. When the assistant does what you want correctly, feed them an appropriately sized treat from the bag containing insects. If the spider does not seem inclined to accept the treat, do not force it; it is likely not hungry at the moment (which is good for you). However, if a large number of them refuse the treats, take them to Lucy immediately. Her assistants only turn down smaller treats when they have found a larger "meal" on their own.
17. Two hours before the end of your shift, you will be required to fill out important documents regarding the collected samples. Take care to ensure that ink does not come into contact with your skin while doing so. Our ink is more corrosive than your average pen ink.
18. Once those files are properly filed, you can drop them off on Lucy’s desk, she will properly sort them out in the data system. Unless specially directed by Lucy, do not touch any of the other files on the desk. If you do, we are not responsible for any disturbing imagery you may see.
19. If Lucy ever asks you to deliver design plans for displays and educational workshops to Harlow, politely but firmly tell her that doing such a task is out of your skill level. You may have noticed that we try to keep contact between you and Harlow to a minimum. It is in your best interest not to probe into the reasons for this.
20. You may be asked to go to Micah’s laboratory to deliver samples or academic papers for publication. You should certainly accept the request, but make it a condition that one of her spiderlings guides you there. Never visit Micah by yourself.
21. If at any time Micah enters the conservatory (which he ████████████) and striiiiiiiiiikes up a “conversation” with Lucy, give them space. You will notice that this is the only time her spiderlings go away, take that as a hint to do the same.
22. As the end of the shift approaches, Lucy will begin the process of cleaning the conservatory in preparation for ██████. The only help she asks of you is to sweep the floor. Depending on your mood, you can volunteer to help even more, though it is not particularly recommended to do so.
23. Before you leave the conservatory, all ten of her assistants will line up to say goodbye. Be sure to bow politely and gently stroke each of their heads as you pass by. By the time you reach the end of the line, you will likely notice that one of them is missing. You must find that spiderling before leaving for the night; they most often hide right above your head. Once found, they usually chirp happily and wave goodbye. Wave back to all of them and to Lucy, then leave the premises immediately. As previously mentioned, the day-shift staff’s predatory nature emerges once their shift ends and the night begins.

That covers everything you need to know about Lucy Lace and what to expect when working alongside her at Everlock Garden. As we have previously stated, she is our most well-meaning employee here, and while her circumstances and environment may be unusual, her intentions are sincere and her presence will be a genuine help as you adjust to partnered shifts. Follow the listed rules carefully, respect her spaces and assistants, and you should find your time with her productive, safe, and surprisingly pleasant. 

Signed, Florence

Hello Charlie,

We would like to offer our sincere apologies regarding the incident that occurred with your colleague last week. Although you have only recently joined us, we value you highly as a member of our staff. Our local community has warmly welcomed you, and your "casual, rambling chats" are apparently beloved by many. While we are very grateful that you chose not to quit, we also understand your decision to change your work environment following such a dangerous incident. After considering your request for a transfer, we have decided to move you to the Everlock Garden. Given your strong interest in and knowledge of botany and plant care, we believe you will quickly settle in with the existing staff there. As usual, there is a set of rules tailored to the gardens that we recommend you follow. We hold you in high regard—both as a staff member and as an individual—and look forward to continuing to work with you.

Rules for working the day-shift at Everlock Botanical Garden

1. Before you start your shift, stop by the security office and pick up your issued waist pouch. Make sure your bag has the following: flower repellent spray, two pouches of flower food, a pager, a taser, and a sickle. Do not leave the office until you have all these items. You will need these items, and not having them can cause you serious issues.
2. Upon receiving your sickle, name the blade. We are quite serious about this. If you cannot think of a name, we have a list prepared for you. If the blade remains unnamed, it will turn against you the moment you try to use it.
3. If you are carrying any items capable of emitting electromagnetic waves, please place them in the designated box in the office. Should an unexpected medical incident occur and it results in you requiring the use of medical equipment, please notify us immediately; you will have a lot more paperwork to fill out.
4. Unlike our museum, we do not sell tickets for the garden outside the spring season. If you encounter anyone claiming to be a "new employer" and asks where the tickets are kept, please shove them into the bushes out of sight. You need not worry about how to deal with such people after your shift ends—that is what our night staff is for.
5. Your primary daily duties will involve caring for the plants and flowers and assisting visitors as needed. Please ensure that you are always attentive and respond in a helpful, caring manner whenever visitors approach you, and try not to be put off by whatever you need to do to fix the situation.
6. If you notice a plant or flower in its defensive or aggressive state, lightly sprinkle some flower food onto the soil and wait. After about five minutes, hold your hand over the plant and slowly move it in a circular motion. If the plant does not attack or flinch away, gently stroke it. Continue doing this until any hissing sounds of intimidation or wary reactions subside. This process might take ten minutes or even an hour, but you must never rush it.
7. If the stone-paved path suddenly turns into a dirt track while you are on patrol, spray the flower repellent along the edge of the stone. Then, stomp the ground twice and declare in a calm yet firm tone: "Restore my path away from your labyrinth to its original state." If the path remains dirt after thirty seconds, threaten them by saying, "I shall summon Lily." The plants and flowers here deeply revere her as a demigod-like figure—and yet fear her too. Consequently, If you are walking along a path and suddenly get a bad feeling, turn back. In situations like this, your intuition is almost certainly correct; you will likely avoid something that lies in wait further ahead.
8. If a visitor requests you to retrieve an item dropped in a flowerbed, once again, lightly sprinkle some flower food on the soil and wait five minutes before retrieving the item. The flowers need to be given a different kind of "meal" than what your fingers would provide before making any close contact.
9. Please ensure that visitors do not step into restricted planting areas, pick flowers, or damage the delicate ecosystem. If you spot any visitors attempting to violate these rules, please repel them using your issued taser. It may sound extreme, but it is for their own good.
10. Every two hours, you will water the flowers with the same food mixture you carry. Try not to stare at the substance or dwell on the stench of death. This interval cannot be missed; the flowers quickly grow irritable when not given their food. In this stage, they start to bite at visitors.
11. If a flower bites you, immediately douse it with flower repellent and pry it off without a moment's delay. We are sure you do not have to be reminded of the horrors that would ensue if it manages to enter under your skin.
12. If, while tending to the flowers, you begin to hear a hissing sound coming from a large number of them and it is aimed at you, use the flower repellent around the surrounding area. If the hissing continues for more than a minute, try to give them the flower food. With any luck, this will calm the flowers down, allowing you to step away and assess the situation. If the hissing continues thirty seconds after the food was given, as a last resort, let one of the flowers bite you. There is a likely chance that the hissing immediately ceases. In the low chance that it does not, we can no longer offer you any advice. They must be seeing something in you that we did not, and they want it gone.
13. If you see any attempts of a Flower Circle being formed, heavily douse it with the flower repellant spray until the petals start to wilt; they are fiercely predatory and terrifyingly cunning entities.
14. If you notice any patch of flowers missing, please report it immediately. Best case, it can simply be a case of an unsuspecting tourist picking them. You certainly would not want to encounter the reasons that might cause flowers to uproot themselves.
15. If you start seeing something that resembles a face in any of the flowers, please call Lily immediately. She will set things back to normal right away. Make sure to do this before your own face is reflected there.
16. If you see any spiders other than jumping spiders, please crush them under your foot. We do not want their eyes around here. 
17. Conversely, make sure you never crush a jumping spider—this is a rule you must strictly observe. Trust us. Those are Lucy’s babies (her pets). If you were to crush one, you would be overcome by an unbearable sense of despair before your vision goes black. You would lose both your feet, and we would likely lose two of our employees.
18. If, while you are helping a group of visitors, you see a shadow that is clearly not meant to be there or a visitor has two shadows, kindly remind Harlow that he is not allowed to prey on our guests. Just before he reluctantly slips away, you will feel a powerful chill race through your entire body.
19. If you see a tourist harassing our staff (it will almost always be a clueless tourist who does not know any better), please kindly remind them to not do that. The last visitor that rudely snapped at Lily in Peach’s presence was later found in the forest—completely drained and skinless.
20. Try not to be alarmed by the suspicion and slight hostility you may experience from your colleagues in the first few days. It has been years since they last welcomed a new staff member, they are not used to new meat—ahem, colleagues! Get to know your colleagues well! You will start by working together on the same shifts, but before long, you will also be collaborating on specific exhibitions.
21. Do not enter specific garden exhibits unless accompanied by an experienced employee. For the first twelve months, your work will be limited to the main garden areas.
22. If you encounter a situation where one of your colleagues is stalking a visitor and they did not respond to the visitor's question, approach that colleague cautiously. Gently reassure the visitor that they have done nothing wrong and encourage them to report the incident. Once the visitor has left, take the flower repellent you have on hand and spray it directly onto your colleague's face. Three to seven sprays should eliminate the effects of the pollen within their system.
23. Only report your colleagues when it is truly necessary. We know you understand this rule more intimately than most, but we must reiterate it here. Surely you are familiar with the horror stories from your previous colleagues about being followed after making false reports.
24. As your shift comes to an end, please return the waist pouch and its contents to the office before leaving. Make sure to leave Everlock Garden by 10:00. The night-shift staff and cleaning crew arrive around that time, and they are not exactly friendly.
25. To reiterate, before you begin your journey home, please make absolutely sure there are no unnatural shadows. If you do find any, tell Harlow firmly that hunting colleagues is not permitted and that his night-shift has started. If you hear an eerie steam whistle, you are safe. Immediately go home.

That is all you need to know for starters. You may find that Everlock Garden is slightly more troublesome than our museum counterpart, partly due to its more opportunistic predators. However, the huge part of this troublesome nature is our staff. After all, while the staff here can certainly be kind and knowledgeable in their craft, their nature is extremely unpredictable. For this reason, we have prepared individual files with key information about each staff member. We will hand these files to you when you begin working alongside them more regularly, but please understand that you will mainly be working shifts yourself until then. We value you highly and hope you will work with us here for as long as possible.

Signed, Florence

It is highly recommended that you do not stay overnight in the Everlock Gardens, as we cannot guarantee your safety after hours. However, in the event you find yourself locked in after evening hours, here’s a guidebook on how to hopefully survive.

Rules for Surviving Everlock Botanical Garden at Night

1. Please understand that following this guidebook does not guarantee your safety. All this list offers is a possibility—the chance to leave this garden with your sanity somewhat intact and the loss of limbs kept to a minimum.
2. It is especially crucial that you stay on the stone-paved paths at all times throughout the night; it will be the safest ground for you to stand on. Watch out for cracks or missing stones; our flowers sometimes burst through the paving to extend their roots in order to snare their prey.
3. If possible, try to lock yourself in a security booth. The influence of the flowers cannot penetrate the security room's walls.
4. Try to avoid running into the night-shift staff. If you are lucky, you might just give them a terrible scare... but in the worst-case scenario, you could end up with a bullet in your chest.
5. If you see our daytime staff members within the garden, do not approach them under any circumstances. They are off duty and are not there to assist you.
6. If you happen to see Peach, a member of our day-shift staff, do not engage with her; treat the sighting as a mere hallucination. No matter how desperately she pleads, you must never follow her. Pay attention to her bloodshot eyes and the scraps of flesh clinging to her teeth; she is starving. Once she starts “bleeding” from her nose, she will rush off in search of easier, dumber prey—prey other than you.
7. Avoid the Venus flytrap enclosure in its entirety; there is a possibility that you run into Lily, and you do not want to fall into her trap-like mouth when she is at her hungriest. 
8. Polyphemus moths appear constantly at night. Be careful not to injure them accidentally. Also, do not look directly at their wings; there are "eyes" upon them, and he dislikes having his gaze met.
9. Light is your friend. Stay close to a light source whenever possible, and never remain in the shadows. 
10. If you feel like a shadow is following you, hold out your hand and wait for a moth to land on it. That should drive the shadow away, for the two detest each other. This method also works if you hear an unlacing sound from behind.
11. Try not to look out into the dark abyss of the night. You might begin to see things that are not really there, or suddenly find yourself locking eyes with something unseen.
12. After midnight, you cannot trust your senses. The flowers release their pollen at exactly 1:00 a.m., and that pollen can influence your sight and hearing.
13. Do not touch any of the flowers. Especially avoid touching the ones that are exceptionally beautiful. They cleverly use their appearance to their advantage, and the moment they sense a presence overhead, they lunge forcefully to sink their teeth into their prey.
14. If a flower manages to latch onto you, get it off as fast as possible. Do not let it get under your skin. If the flower manages to enter under your skin in any way, we can no longer offer you any advice. Once exposed to a substantial amount of moisture, it moves so rapidly that it is impossible to halt its movement by any means.
15. The trees in our gardens will be your rare saving grace in protecting you. If, for some reason, you cannot reach a security booth, run to a tree, embrace it firmly, and bury your face in the bark.
16. Do not climb the tree unless absolutely necessary or if the tree offers first with its vines.
17. If the tree you are clinging to suddenly transforms into a hemlock tree and you hear a murder of crows, we can no longer offer you any advice. That is our cleanup crew. We can only hope it will be quick. 
18. Under no circumstances should you set foot in our forest. It is the hunting ground of "That Thing," and the trees themselves are far from friendly.
19. As soon as the sun begins to appear on the horizon, please immediately head to the entrance gate. Security personnel will be on hand to guide you safely outside the garden.
20. If you encounter something not on this list... may mercy be upon your soul.

Please understand that staying after the garden hours is not only against our policy but is also a danger to your life. If the incident was a genuine accident, we may consider issuing only a warning (a violation notice). However, if the violation was caused by a prank, such as a "dare" or a test of nerve, you should first reconsider your choice of friends and be prepared to face a ban on park entry for the remainder of the season. Furthermore, any repeat violations will result in an indefinite ban, with an extremely low likelihood of that decision being overturned unless a deal is made.

Welcome to Everlock Garden. We can spot new visitors right away, and we are always delighted to guide those eager to discover the wonders of nature. Our botanical gardens are a relatively new addition to the Everlock complex. Although it originally opened alongside our museum, a series of accidents within the nature reserve forced us to close to prevent further casualties (after all, we did not want our main museum exhibits to get lonely from lack of visitors!). Unforeseen circumstances would extend the closure for maintenance by several more years. However, thanks to an agreement, we have finally been able to reopen. In the weeks since reopening, the gardens has regained its popularity among locals and is bustling with tourists. So with activity picking up, we have created this pamphlet to help first time visitors like you fully enjoy the wonders of the garden and its plant life. Please take a careful look and have a wonderful time.

Rules for visiting Everlock Botanical Garden

1. Admission to the garden is generally free. However, if you wish to visit during the spring, you must reserve a ticket and sign a liability waiver. We are aware this sounds extreme, but it is an essential measure to ensure the safety of both visitors and plants (the flowers get anxious around crowds).
2. Outside of the spring season, our staff does not sell tickets, nor should you attempt to purchase them. If you are approached by an "employee" trying to sell you a ticket, politely tell them you already have a reservation and promptly report the incident to the security office.
3. If you were unfortunate enough to have purchased a ticket from that representative, you have unwittingly entered into a contract. Now that you know of that organization's existence, there is no way to avoid it. You are permanently banned from entering our premises. Stay away from our exhibits.
4. Our garden and museum attract visitors from all walks of life. Some are less "humanoid” than others, some hail from entirely different eras. Please treat everyone with respect and refrain from making unnecessary comments about their appearance. Inappropriate behavior can result in your expulsion from the premises if deemed necessary*.* 
5. While we ask that you do not judge our locals; shall you encounter an individual exhibiting characteristics or behaviors that resembles a Spider, with the exception of our regular Linda and our staff member Lucy, promptly notify our staff. They will know what to do from there.
6. We strongly recommend visiting with friends. The garden is more enjoyable with company, and it is always good to have someone there to keep you in check. However, please avoid visiting in groups of five or more. Being stared at by too many people makes some of our plants and flowers anxious, causing them to become aggressive/defensive. Once they reach that state, it takes a long time to calm them down, so we ask for your consideration. 
7. Please stay on the stone-paved paths at all times while in the garden; these are the safest areas for visitors. If the stone path you are walking on suddenly turns into a dirt path, turn back immediately. This indicates that the plants are trying to lure you into a trap. That path leads to an area inhabited by highly predatory plants and flowers—and you certainly do not want them to mistake you for prey. 
8. If, upon attempting to retrace your steps, you find that the path previously paved with stone has turned into a dirt path, we unfortunately cannot provide you with any further assistance. It seems those flowers have grown ravenous and have marked you as their next prey. In this situation, it is best to wish for a peaceful end.
9. Please strictly refrain from stepping into, walking through, or playing in the flowerbeds. Doing so compacts the soil and damages precious roots. Some flowers perceive this as an insult, and insulting nature is the one thing to be avoided above all else here. 
10. Never reach out to touch the stems of the plants. If you drop something into a flowerbed, please notify a staff member; they will be happy to retrieve it for you. Attempting to pick it up yourself might startle the plants and could cost you a finger. 
11. Please avoid touching the plants more than necessary, but especially do not pick the flowers. The plants and natural elements here are protected for everyone’s enjoyment; they are not meant for private collections, nor can they survive outside this garden. Subjecting such beautiful living things to such a miserable fate would be cruel. 
12. If you arrogantly assume these flowers would look perfect in your living room and attempt to pick them, one of three fates await you: 1.) The flowers bite off your hand in self-defense, or summon reinforcements to surround you, in which you will promptly become fertilizer. 2.) If luck is on your side, you might simply be discovered by the staff and subdued with a stun gun. Though not all of our staff are this merciful, so do not count on this. Or 3.) Even if you miraculously managed to take the flowers home, you would soon find yourself greeted by an unpleasant visitor from our recovery agent. If you have no desire to become another flower in Lily's Garden, it is best not to lay a hand on them.
13. The trees in our garden are deeply respected—not just by the other plants and wildlife, but by us as well. While we ask that you treat the entire garden with care, please be especially mindful to avoid any behavior that shows a lack of respect toward the trees.
14. For this reason, and the safety of our visitors, tree climbing is forbidden. When the trees feel threatened or insulted, they defend themselves using their vines, branches, or even roots. Consequently, it is not uncommon for the offender to be flung high into the air. Even if you survive the impact with the ground, you then risk being torn apart by our man-eating flowers next. 
15. Yes, we do have cherry trees. And yes, they are breathtakingly beautiful when in full bloom (from mid-April to early May). However, if you spot a "cherry blossom tree" blooming at any other time, please turn back immediately and notify the nearest staff member. They will offer a sincere apology and handle the situation promptly. Approaching such a tree puts you at risk of being lured by its pheromones and becoming its next meal. 
16. Please also show respect for the bodies of water, such as ponds, rivers, and lakes. Entering or swimming in the water is strictly prohibited. Such actions provoke the garden's aquatic inhabitants, who do not appreciate being disturbed. Their ferocity is often likened to that of starved piranhas. 
17. There are no fountains in this garden. Should you happen to see one, please ignore it. As long as you do not acknowledge its existence, it will cause you no harm. 
18. The Everlock Garden is, in fact, a garden. In this regard, we ask visitors to exercise due caution regarding not only the natural environment itself but also elements that might seem out of place within a natural setting. Outdoor spaces here inherently carry certain risks. 
19. If at any time, a spider lands on you and burrows into your skin, please notify a nearby staff member immediately. We sincerely apologize for the consequences that will follow, but this is for the sake of everyone, including you. After all, you surely would not want to become a puppet for that spider's "master."
20. With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted. We cherish animals just as much as you do. However, our facility is not suitable for pets. Should you disregard this rule, Everlock Garden accepts no liability if the pet eats poisonous flowers, has its head bitten off by a flower, starts growing flowers from its orifices, wanders into a flower circle or fairy circle and "disappears”, is hanged by a vine, is absorbed into the soil, drowns, randomly becomes rabid, or is shot by a staff member. In such an event, you will be banned from entering the garden for the remainder of the season. 
21. Any children under eighteen must be closely supervised at all times to ensure they do not climb trees, rocks, or sculptures. However, we kindly ask that children under ten be left at home, as it is difficult for children of this age to fully grasp the importance of following the rules. 
22. Drones are strictly forbidden; please do not even attempt to bring one onto the premises. The plants and certain exhibits here value their privacy and can sense electromagnetic waves. If the plants feel they are being observed without their consent, it could lead to total chaos. Furthermore, some of our staff members can find it unpleasant.
23. If you are on a tour of our botanical gardens or a part of a school trip, the guide will hand you a separate pamphlet in addition to this booklet. Read and follow the exact rules our guide tells you to; do not question them or challenge their authority. Some guides may find such behavior offensive and may even openly express their displeasure, some more vulgar than others. Remember, they have walked these gardens longer than you have ever known of its existence. Never act based on your own assumptions.
24. Our staff may designate sections of the garden as off-limits at any time. Please do not complain to the staff or attempt to enter these restricted areas in any way. There is a reason for the closure: the plants and flowers in that area have started to grow more bloodthirsty. Stepping into that restricted area will certainly result in the loss of your life. 
25. Picnicking is permitted only in our tulip fields. Please do not eat anywhere else in the garden; the flowers may get jealous and want you as their snack.
26. Sitting on the grass is only permitted in our tulip flower fields and should not be attempted anywhere else in our gardens. 
27. If you feel tired at any point, there are many seating areas available for you. Should you choose to settle onto the grass, you will notice that it feels astonishingly—almost unearthly—soft. The moment you sink into that yielding ground, you will find yourself never wanting to leave. Indeed, within an hour, leaving will have become impossible; the blades of grass will have already entered your bloodstream, injecting relaxing compounds while slowly draining the very nutrients from your body. You will simply remain lying there until you are reduced to a withered, hollow husk.
28. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the Everlock premises at all times. If you cannot resist the urge and light up a cigarette, you might manage that first puff without incident. But in the blink of an eye, you will notice that one of our tree vines has coiled around the offending wrist holding the cigarette. That is your final warning. If you insist on taking a second puff, well… say goodbye to that hand.
29. Please treat our staff with respect during your visit to our gardens. While our staff are generally very friendly, some of them find it difficult to suppress their more… primal instincts. Please do not create situations that might cause them to lose control of those instincts.
30. If at any time you notice any of our staff members following you, politely approach them and ask, "Is something the matter?" In most cases, that alone should bring them back to their senses.
31. If that staff member still does not react, leave the area immediately, but do so backwards. Try to keep your eyes on them as much as possible until you have to turn a corner. Once they are out of sight, run to the closest security booth and report the incident. We apologize for the inconvenience.
32. If it is Micah who is stalking you (you will be able to pick him out by his jet black hair and dead eyes), stand completely still. Do not let him realize that you have noticed him. Close your eyes and pray that he is not hungry enough to target anything he deems “easy prey”.
33. Please refrain from reporting our staff when it is not necessary. Our staff tries really hard to behave themselves, and when they get reported without reason, it causes significant demoralization. In some cases, individuals who file false reports may even become targets themselves.
34. It takes a full day to explore the entire garden, so you are welcome to stay until the evening. However, all visitors must leave the garden by 9:00 PM. This rule is non-negotiable.
35. If this is your first visit, please feel free to skip the following message. We are grateful for your support and hope you fully enjoy the natural beauty of our botanical gardens!
36. To certain patrons, we offer a word of advice out of kindness: It would be wise to refrain from acting as if you are an expert on our gardens and museum—or believing you understand them better than our specialized staff, and even us—when you actually know nothing about them. Adopting a "know-it-all" attitude in this area, particularly toward specific staff members, could jeopardize your health. While our staff are strictly instructed not to harm visitors, please do not test them. Even when reason holds, predatory instincts always lie just beneath the surface.

 

And that is all you need to know about visiting our botanical gardens. Our gardens are extremely beautiful and the plantlife is unique, it is always a joy to show them off to people that appreciate nature. Do not let the bizarre rules and sometimes troublesome environment discourage you from visiting. The beauty beyond the difficulty is far worth it. Do be on the lookout for more areas and exhibits that are opening to the public. As we clean up our gardens, we can open more of it up. We hope to see you at our gardens someday!