Tyler sits on his favorite branch. At this exact spot, he can see this certain arrangement of trees, this is only visible from this one branch. The arrangement of trees includes one tree that stands straight up and down, one tree that appears slightly slanted, and a stray branch that goes across both trees. That's where Tyler could always find that purple-haired boy – standing beneath Tyler's 'tree symbol.'
Tyler cranes his neck in search of a flash of purple hair.
"I need to find him. I need to talk to him today," Tyler tells himself.
He's not going to like you, assures The Other Voice in Tyler's Head.
"How do you know that? Maybe he will?" Tyler thinks back.
There isn't one likable thing about you, Tyler. There's no way that boy will like you, insists The Other Voice.
All of a sudden, there is the sound of rustling leaves. A twig snaps and footsteps are audible.
Tyler pushes off of the tree branch to find the source of the sound, twisting his ankle when he lands.
"Oh crap," Tyler shouts out loud, unable to get to his feet.
Did you really think you could make that jump? You're such an idiot, says The Other Voice.
"Shut up!" Tyler screams, again, out loud. Tears begin rushing down his face as he helplessly sits on the leafy ground.
The sound of footsteps continues as Tyler uses his arms to lift his body off of the ground and prop himself up against the tree he fell out of.
"I know you're there," Tyler shouts at the footsteps, still unable to put pressure on his twisted left ankle.
Tyler can feel the presence of another person, inhaling and exhaling the cold, winter Ohio air. He starts lose patience.
"Hello? Hello? Hello?" Tyler becomes frantic, hoping for — needing a response.
"Why won't you speak to me?!" Tyler shouts again, this time louder and closer to a scream.
Tyler tries to ignore The Other Voice as it continued to list every bad thing about him. He tries to stay calm as the footstep grow louder and closer. He catches a sudden glimpse of purple behind a nearby tree trunk and tries to move closer. Without the support of Tyler's tree, the boy ends up plummeting, face-first, into the forest floor, yet again. Sharp leaves and twigs scrape against his bare arms.
Why did you even come here? That boy will never notice you or speak to you. How do you know he's even real? Look at you, you are a pathetic loser of a boy. Who would want to waste their time talking to you? The Other Voice echoes in Tyler's ears.
Tyler continues his attempt at fighting The Other Voice. He turns his body over so the he can be face up. Outside of his own mind, there is nothing but stillness. All is silent in the trees. He squeezes his eyes shut, the tears continue.
Tyler opens his eyes to see the boy with the purple hair standing right above him.
