Grumpy

“Why have you come into my woods? Can’t you see it is dark, dead, and gloomy? Now go away, or I say flail you with these branches,” shouted the old tree.

The elfling stood smiling up at the tree, making things worse. “Why are you so grumpy?” the boy asked.

Shocked, the tree lowered its limbs and thought. “No one has ever asked me that question. Everyone runs away. Let me think,” said the old tree.

After a moment, its face grew even darker. “It’s none of your concern, you impertinent pup. Get out of my woods. I’m not too fond of the living. Go,” said the tree, waving its branches hither and yon.

“It’s such a nice day, and soon, Summer will bring flowers and the return of the bees. I think you should think about being so grumpy,” said the boy, whose grin grew into a broad smile.

“Flowers and bees buzzing about. I hate the flower’s smell and how fragrant the honey is. All happy things make me angry,” shouted the old tree.

“Why?” asked the elfling.

The tree looked away, drew one of its branches across the lifeless ground, and made a flower. “Because the fire came and took all those things of beauty away from here, away from me,” whispered the old tree.

The boy saw how talking about the past caused the tree to creek and groan. “Summer is coming, and you will have a beautiful forest again,” said the boy.

“Foolish worm, nothing can come to this sand. Weeds don’t even dare to grow here. Go away and let me die in this lifeless woods. A forest guardian should never outlive its home,” snapped the tree.

“You were away when the fire started and blamed yourself for its destruction, don’t you,” said the elf.

“I should have been here. I never expected lightning to cause a fire while gathering saplings. I rushed back, but it was too late. Only ashes and these silent giants you see before you remained,” replied the guardian.

“Summer is coming, and you shall have a beautiful forest once again because I will help you,” said the boy whose smile radiated as brightly as the sun.

The old tree remained silent for a long while, then smiled and said, “Yes, I believe we could start again with your help.”

The boy reached up and gently held the tree’s branch, saying, “I am happy to see you smile; it makes even the darkest times better.”

“New beginnings are always joyful times, so full of hope for the future. Let us begin our future now,” said the old tree as he lifted the boy high into his branches, walked out of the dead forest, and into a Spring of possibilities.