Willow

Introduction

There was brightness, and then warmth.

A tiny baby was brought into the world and the trees seemed to realize it. A willow tree's branches loomed over the house's window, spilling green mosaic glass as the sun hit its leaves. A baby girl looked upon the world with wide emerald eyes. Her mother stroked her soft tuft of hair lovingly, not a care in the world. From below was heard the clash of dishes and the sweet smell of bread as her husband cooked in their humble kitchen. Small for her size, the baby girl curled up in a ball gathering as much heat as she could steal from her mother.

There was brightness, and then warmth.

Flames suddenly pounced across the walls as something crashed through the downstairs window. Screams were heard from below as the object was thrown through their window as well. The mother saw what it was; a bomb. Knowing how precious time had become, she kissed her beloved baby goodbye; whom she had only known for less than an hour; and tossed her onto the willow tree along with her wedding ring she had hoped to save for her daughter's special day.

There was brightness, and then warmth.

The house evaporated seconds after. Not being able to comprehend what was happening, the emerald eyed girl stared curiously at the hot flames. The willow tree, with a knowing movement, gathered the precious baby onto its arms. Hiding her out of sight, it watched as a dozen men with military equipment searched the ruins.

A single man in a forebodingly black suit seemed to supervise the search party.

"Is she there?" He asked in a emotionless robotic voice.

"There are no remains of an infant, Sir." A man closest of him replied.

"She couldn't have survived anyway. Dismissed,"

The band of military men hopped onto helicopters that appeared out of nowhere. What was once thirteen was now one as the suited man lingered behind a bit longer. He grasped something of the ground; a pink bow, minuscule in his hand; and walked off, looking one last time as if unassured before flying away.

The tree seemed breathed a sigh of relief, letting its long strands to relax and wave in through the wind. The precious cargo it had kept concealed till now was playing with one on its leaves. Her head suddenly drooped as she began to fall asleep. Already, several thin vines had grown in a matter of seconds and were curling into tiny figurines as the baby dreamed.

Already, she had her gift, a gift as well as a curse. The willow tree swore then that it would protect her, whatever it took.

With that thought, the tree gazed at the sunset, so bright at this time.

There was brightness, and then cold.