It had been years. Years since the people had died. The last one stayed around longer than expected, Almost thirty-five years. But she was gone now. They all were.
The great tree stood strong and tall in the wind, watching over the earth in all her beauty. “I survived,” it said to the wind. “They killed the rest, but I survived.”
The wind swirled through the leaves of the tree. “You did,” it seemed to say back. “And for that, I will reward you.” The wind took the seeds of the tree, sweeping them along the earth, into rivers and over mountains. “Help me,” the wind said to the rain. “Help me save them.”
The rain recognized the strength of the great tree. It began to sprinkle water. Slowly at first, but then harder and faster. It rained as it hadn’t in years, since long before the people had died. And the trees grew. Winding upwards and reaching for the sky.
And the animals came back. All the creatures who had gone into hiding, “Thank you,” they said to the trees. “Thank you for returning.”
The great tree watched it all, quiet and serene, observing everything it had created. “I’m sorry,” it whispered to the humans, almost as if they could hear the apology. “I’m sorry that we lost you.” It gave a sigh, sending a puff of pollen into the air. Pollen that had invaded so many lungs. Pollen that had killed.
“I’m sorry I had to let you die.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GooglePowerful story, Ava! I enjoyed the natural elements communicating to each other the need to save the great one. I felt its regret at the loss of the senseless bipeds, despite their faults and blemishes. It shows that life goes on no matter what…
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
What a great unexpected twist! Never suspected that the tree was to blame for man’s demise, after you described it as so noble!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, Ava. Lovely story, Ava. I also enjoyed your twist in the end, which surprised me. I didn’t expect it to happen. Nicely done.