making peace

Apple Tree

*past / dream world *

"Mommy!" I giggle as I try to stop her from tickling my stomach. Her smile never leaves her face. Without
warning, she picks me up and takes me to her special apple tree.

"One day this tree will be yours, and just like you and me it will survive through the harshest of winters," Mommy says lovingly. Her speech causes me to think that I will be the best princess, just like Mommy.

I will look after her tree. Feeling touched Mommy's speech, I jump up and wrap my arms around her neck, hugging her so tight. She kisses the crown of my head.

Golden smoke appears next to Mommy, and Papa emerges from it. Running to Papa, I shout "Papa I've missed you!"

"And I you, Little One," his whispers kissing my forehead. My parents don't kiss because they aren't married. I grab Papa's hand and drag him to the swing in my second favorite blossom tree. Flying, I'm flying. My thoughts dissipate into the air as my Papa pushes me on the swing and mommy sits and smiles at me.

"Look, Mommy, I'm going so high!"