Out of the Woods

Chapter 2: Copper's Story - Age 8

Above is this story's theme song. The name of this story changed once I heard Tyler Ward's cover of Taylor Swift's song and Out of the Woods sounds more appealing than The Treehouse of Stories Past. Also, fun fact, Ralph's name was originally supposed to be Colby, but I ended up changing it and now his nephew has the name.

Anyway, enough of my pointless commentary. Enjoy Ralph's point of view in Age 8 and let me know what you think!

Chapter 2: Copper's Story - Age 8

"Uncle Ralph?"

I directed my attention away from Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises to look at my little nephew who was rocking on his heels, begging to have someone listen to what he had to say. In his hand was a rolled up piece of blue construction paper.

I felt my lips curve into a smile. I folded the corner of the page I was on and set the book aside. Giving Colby my full attention, I asked, "Whatcha got there, kiddo?"

"Blueprints." Colby unravelled the paper and shoved his plans in my direction. I took the 'blueprints' from him and he excitedly crawled onto my lap. He had scribbled a little house with a rather long chimney in white colored pencil.

I looked back to my nephew's wide, awaiting eyes. "I like it, " I told him, "but, isn't your house bigger than this one?"

"No, Uncle Ralph! That's not my house, that's what my treehouse is gonna look like!"

"Your treehouse." The words had a bittersweet taste in my mouth, causing a series of old memories to come flooding out of Pandora's box. "You and your dad are going to build one?"

Colby shook his head, suddenly deflated. "No," he said with downcast eyes, "but, I want one and it's going to look like this."

The assertiveness in his tone caused me to let out a little laugh. I leaned back and released a contented sigh, reminiscing the old times. I had a lot of fun in that old treehouse. It served not only as a safe haven but, also a getaway from reality. Sometimes you really needed that. Why shouldn't Colby have one as well?

"Tell you what," I ruffled his hair, causing him to giggle. "How about we go out back and find a good, sturdy tree. Then, we can go to the store and buy some supplies."

His eyes perked up and he gave a killer, million-watt smile. "We're gonna build my treehouse?!" Colby jumped down from my lap, "Are you for real?"

I nodded, "Yep. Just you, me and that treehouse."

The process took days before the treehouse was finally ready and I'd never forgot the look on his face throughout the entire time we worked on that treehouse and when he finally got to play in it. It'll stick with me until I turn gray.

There was a different feeling brewing up inside of me, one that I couldn't quite place. All I knew was that it felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.

Sitting in the shade under the same tree that held the treehouse, I opened up my copy of The Sun Also Rises and began reading once again.

~ 8 ~

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes.