Page 224 (1/1)

My headlights bounced of Saphix's reflectors as the hooptie turned onto Cemetery Street The driveway stones crackled under the hooptie's weight I closed the driver's side door and slunk across my front yard As I slid my key into the door I heard the distinct chirp of Shannie's whistle I exhaled, trudged down the front steps and towards the elm between our houses

"Where've you been?" Shannie asked from the li trees," I looked up into the li her outline in the darkness

"The day I'round Everyone should have a personal relationship with a tree"

"If you say so," I said staring at uilt ridden to look at Shannie's shadow Passing cars punctuated our silence

"Beautiful night," Shannie lanced across Fernwood

"Yeah," I wished I could runto turn in See you later"

"Later," Shannie answered

Walking away I felt Shannie's eyes upon rass before wrapping itself around oosebu?" I answered

"Nothing," the tree answered

"You sure?" I asked the swaying li"

As I walked away I thought I heard the tree whisper, "Promise that you'll love me forever"