Image by KELLEPICS from Pixabay

@freewritehouse
@zeldacroft

Day 735: 5 Minute Freewrite: Tuesday - Prompt: greens

Image by PDPhotos from Pixabay

Bobby twirled around the forest looking up at the sky with his arms extended. He loved the forest, the trees, the feel of the soil. He was happy going there ever since his family took him on a camping vacation.

"Hello Bobby. Nice to see you again," he heard a voice say slowly.

Shocked, he stopped suddenly to see where the voice was coming from. He didn't see anyone. Looking down, he noticed the giant tree standing right in front of him. His eyes now wide as marbles, he stammered, "I must be dreaming. Trees can't talk."

He started to run, but the voice continued, "I won't hurt you." The tree's eyes were opened, but Bobby had a hard time seeing who was in the green mask.

"What are you?" he said, "and how did you know my name? You look scary."

"I do," the tree said, then continued, "I didn't mean to scare you. I'm a tree person, and I've seen you many times visit the forest with your parents."

Now more intrigued than scared, Bobby talked rapidly, "Never heard of a tree person. What is a tree person? Are you really alive? What's your name? Where did you come from? How old are you? How long have you been living here? Where did you learn to speak English? Do you know the other trees in the forest? Can they talk like you? What do you do all day?"

Trying to remember all the questions, he responded, "A tree person is...now let me think. I know I've heard it before. Anyway, I remember having someone once who looked after us. He was talking about some new program for sustain. I didn't understand what it was about. But then that person left and never returned. That was a long time ago. Now, I hear people when they visit the forest. You see, they don't see me unless they want to. And I remember the things they talk about. I don't know how long I've been here. In the daytime, I enjoy the sunshine, but lately it's been too hot. It burns my eyes. And, I don't have a name."

Well, I'll just call you Mr. Greens because you are all green and such. I have a candy bar. Do you want one?" Billy asked.

Mr. Greens responded, "OK, thank you for the name. But I don't eat candy bars."

Bobby found out Mr. Greens knew a lot about the forest. Then he thought for a moment about his class assignment in which he had to write a non-fiction paper. His teacher gave the class an example. He hadn't found a topic yet, so decided Mr. Greens would make a good subject for his school project.

Bobby told Mr. Greens his plan. But he said, "Bobby, I don't think you should tell anyone that you talked with me. You should tell them about the forest." But Bobby was so excited that he was going to get the chance to tell his class about Mr. Greens.

Ready to head home, Mr. Greens warned, "Bobby promise me you won't come here at night by yourself." Bobby promised.

After finishing his report, Bobby got ready for bed, but couldn't sleep. He thought about all the good things that was going to happen. His report would be the best in class receiving an "A". No less than an "A-". All his classmates would clap for him. Then his teacher would enter his report in the 5th grade Literature Contest at the School Fair. The prize he was going to receive would be useful. And he couldn't wait to return and show Mr. Greens his ribbon.

Image made in Canva with graphic by KELLEPICS from Pixabay
Looking around the classroom as he read his report, Bobby couldn't understand why all his classmates were looking at each other and whispering. When he finished, they didn't clap as he expected. Then his teacher said, "Bobby, the assignment was to write on a non-fiction topic. If you need more explanation, then stay after class and we'll talk some more.

Bobby couldn't wait to see Mr. Greens. "Why didn't they believe me? I was telling the truth," he said.

Mr. Greens felt sad but said, "As I told you before, once people are older, they sometimes lose the ability to hear us and all the wonders of nature the forest have to offer. They are busy with their families. Yes, they visit the forest, but walk right past and don't see us."

"But if they just stopped to listen, you could teach them a lot, couldn't you?, Bobby replied.

"Yes, Bobby, I could," Mr. Greens said. "But I feel it's too late for me. You can if you want to help the forest. You can find out and explain to them:

• why trees are important to our planet;
• what do trees eat;
• do trees have value;
• how long can a tree live;
• whether or not people can hear and talk to trees;
• what makes a tree die;
• do trees have feelings;
• do trees have families;
• why are all trees not the same; and
• what can we do to help the forest."

"Ok, Mr. Greens, I promise. See you later. You are the wisest and smartest person I know. I'll never forget you," Billy said proudly.

Several years later, Billy walked across the stage and accepted his diploma. He was on his way to fulfilling his promise to Mr. Greens.

Amazed at how much the forest had change, Bobby didn't know if he was too late to help Mr. Greens. He called out several times, "Mr. Greens, are you here? I'd like you to meet my family."

Barely able to open his eyes now, Mr. Greens looked up at Bobby and smiled.

Thanks,
@justclickindiva

Happy rest of the week everyone with whatever you are working on.

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SOURCES:
a) JustClickin logo created at CoolText.Com
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone; & I(ii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Tribe logos used with permission of Tribe Discord Channel admins.

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