Tree Man

The monster lurched, his feet compacting the earth several inches with each gargantuan step. Limbs made of rock and bark pushed through the undergrowth of the dying forest like a hand sweeping away a cobweb. His arms were gently lifted out to each tree he passed, the dew sprinkled on his face masking him in starry grief.

Finally, he reached the spring; it glittered with eternal hope in the center of a lush green meadow. Unable to help himself, he rushed forward and fell to his knees before it, trampling the tall grass in his fervor. Laying his hands on the ground and muttering desperate, incomprehensible words, he shook his head and wept openly. After only a moment, the spring began to glow and shimmer.

Out of the bubbling water leapt a tiny green fairy. Her wings were like leaves, her hair a ferny mass. Giggling as she reached a twiggy arm towards him, she picked up one small dewdrop from his cheek. Blowing it into the wind, a chorus of joyful voices chimed up out of nowhere, singing a heavenly lullaby to the forest.

“You want your home to grow anew?”

The tree giant nodded his head vigorously, black eyes sparkling.

“I cannot raise what is dead. But I can grow new life over it. Things are going to change. Embrace it and be grateful that no new life has grown over you yet.”