I remember when I sat on the swing to contemplate the sunset, I found it fascinating how my hair would fly along with the wind and how the colors changed every day. I also found myself noticing children playing every afternoon around a tree...Everyone used to call it “The Good old tree” and I must admit they did have a valid point by saying that. The tree had been there for years, even my grandmother recalled it.
One Wednesday, the science teacher assigned homework, we had to do research on nature, and as you might have expected, I went to the prairie. While sitting under the Good old tree I scanned the lovely sight and got immersed in my thoughts till the point where nothing of the outside world could intrude.
I heard a cry and naturally woke up, I packed my stuff ready to go as I didn’t see anyone else around... When I was about to pick up my pace, a branch gracefully moved, slowly I followed each swing with my eyes, until it stopped in front of me.
What would you say or do if a tree starts to move on its own? It’s not something you stop and think about everyday, but even though I was not sure on how to proceed I sympathized with the tree.
I stayed. I learnt about the Good old tree and how his days passed by, he eagerly awaited for kids to come and play, he felt accompanied. But most of the time he felt alone.
In spring he met many new friends, it was very loud, and there were flowers and trees everywhere.
In summer his friendships with others plants of the prairie strengthened, so they would enjoy the salty air and the sunny days.
But when fall came, his friends were falling apart, they dehydrated and leaves fell to the ground. It was a scary time for the Good old tree…
However nothing could be compared to winter, his friends appeared dormant, covered in ice. The Good old tree didn’t have anyone to talk to, not even the kids came to visit him.
He told me he had lived for over 250 years, and that he saw it as an endless cycle. I paid close attention and realized something, he had a very long lifespan and particular traits. His plant friends didn't want to leave him, they just couldn't stay, they were other species! I knew what I had to do now.
The next day I went to the prairie along with some friends, we all wanted to show gratitude towards the Good old tree. We bought seeds that later grew into strong trees.
The Good old tree was not alone anymore, he lived in a forest and that filled his days with joy.
By Valeria Villera, Step 11
