The Squirrel and the Tree

In the shadow of a barn there lived a tree where once had lived a family. 

The family were bad at heart and hurt the tree. Burnt and gouged, struck by lightning and hidden in the dark. 

With damaged branches and rotten roots, the tree gave up on company.

I'm fine on my own said the tree, just out here being me.

One day a squirrel came bounding past following a butterfly that made her laugh. 

Hello tree, you're beautiful, she said. 

Don't be silly said the tree, I'm ugly and damaged as you can see.

The squirrel truly admired the tree for its strength and courage and continuing to be. 

She came back every day to see the tree and learn its past. 

As the weeks turned to months the squirrel and the tree chatted easily.

The squirrel grew very fond of the tree. Thank you said the tree. But it can't be, the past, there are issues preventing me. 

The squirrel tried her very best to reach the tree. Your twisted branches are beautiful to me, it's not that, it's your spirit I see. Kind and loyal and funny as can be. 

I can't said the tree. Ok the squirrel sadly replied, but one day you'll see dear tree, just how amazing you will be. 

The barn collapsed one Spring day allowing light to reach the tree. Summer came, the tree flourished. Its shiny leaves reached high, carrying a message to the sky.

Dear squirrel, do you see? I think I'm now the tree you said I'd be.