The Red Bark Tree

~

Kaia and a young man sit below a tall red bark tree, whispering something to each other. The red bark tree's white flowers are blooming, and an occasional breeze brings down a shower of petals. Her laugh rings out through the air, and she rests her head on his shoulder. He looks down at her, smiling a smile of pure joy.

~

Brown leaves dance through the air, and crunch beneath the pair's feet. They're holding hands and walking to the red bark tree. The young man reaches into his pocket and takes out a pocketknife. He lets go of her hand, and carves a heart into the tree. Handing the knife to Kaia, she takes it and writes "K+M" inside the heart. More leaves fall down on them with a gust of wind, and she cuddles next to him underneath the now barren red bark tree.

~

She approaches the tree alone, wearing a short, black lace dress that just barely reaches her knees. Her tousled hair, usually down and carefree, is up in a tight bun. The marks of little sleep show on her face as she traces the carving with her fingers. It starts to flurry and she walks away, shivering in her short dress.