My lovely tree

That day was different. Above me, the sky was colored in indigo, its freckles glowing up there.

Below, I was sitting on a brown bench beneath an old tree whose branches stretched out like open arms.

My heart was heavy, like a solid stone pressing down inside me. I didn’t know how to lift it yet.

I pressed both palms against my chest and could feel my heart beating fast, its vibrations making my whole body shiver. My tears didn’t peek out—not because they were scared to touch my cheeks, but because there were no tears left in my eyes to pour out. My eyes were empty, yet my heart was so full.

I pulled back my hands and ran them through my hair. Around me, the wind began to sigh, making the crisp, dried leaves on the ground scrape softly across the dirt. Suddenly, out of the gentle rush of air, I heard an enchanted voice ask, "Why are you looking like a hopeless bird?"

I froze. I blinked once, then twice, and my hands started to tremble. I stood up from the bench quickly, turned around to look at the huge tree, and asked in a terrified voice, "Who's that?"

The mischievous voice came again. "Me?" The tree’s canopy rustled as if it were laughing, and it giggled at me and continued, "You are standing right in front of me, looking at me, and asking who I am? Unbelievable!"

I stepped back just one step and said, "Tree?"

It let out a soft laugh again, a sound like autumn leaves dancing against one another, and whispered, "Yes, you little girl! It's me, the beautiful young tree—just got a little aged." Before I could ask anything else, it said, "Don't ask silly questions. Just answer me: why are you sad, dear?"

I sighed and looked down at the ground covered with dried leaves. Before snapping at the tree, I replied, "I'm lonely... I've got no one who understands me or cares about me."

The tree chuckled at my words. With a trembling voice, I asked, "Why are you laughing at me? It's not funny!"

The tree said, "Ah, I'm sorry, dear. Look here, that is not the reason to cry or be sad. Look at me. I have been standing here alone, yet I have never felt lonely. I didn't even cry when thunder hit me a year ago. And I am not completely alone! Look, I have the sky to look at, leaves to take care of, and shade to give. I am always strong, not sitting around like a scentless flower—you are dramatic!"

My breath hitched in my throat. I didn't know what to say next; I just looked at it.

The tree spoke again. "Look, dear. Sadness is a part of a normal life. Even if you have a heavy storm inside your heart right now, it's okay. Just smile alone, enjoy alone, eat alone, laugh alone, and live alone until the clouds clear out. That is not a reason to be hurt at all. If you feel sad, come to me. I am always here for you."

Out of nowhere, a cool breeze danced around me, howling a soft, comforting melody as it played with my hair. The tree smiled and said, "See? Even the wind loves you. You are not alone. Come here, hug me!"

A smile tugged at my lips. I rushed forward, wrapped my arms around its trunk, and pressed my cheek gently against its bark. The wind gave one final, warm push, causing the tree to shake its branches. The tree made its leaves fall all over me and whispered, "Hmm, you are so warm. You are not alone now. Just like that, no more crying."