The Tree Idea

He looked outside as he answered my questions.

When we met two months ago, he avoided eye contact.

Nervous? Shy? Probably both.

But today he seemed at ease, even after his mother left to use the restroom.

See that vine that’s wrapped itself in the pine tree in the parking lot? he said.

It will kill that tree eventually.

You know, I’ve noticed lots more vines in trees lately.

I wonder why.

His light blue eyes met mine as he continued.

I once worked on a school project where we had to imagine something that would be good for your health, your, um…mental health.



He returned to looking at the vine in the pine tree.

And so I thought about weeping willows

and how

and how

wouldn’t it be nice if there were cherry blossoms on the branches?



Eye contact again, this time with a grin.



And then I Googled it

and

it’s 

already

a thing!



Oh yes! I said.

I think I’ve seen those before.



So what if, he said, what if you made a large opening in it so that you could sit under the branches?

And put one of those things, those round things with a hole on top?

It’s called a…

  um, it’s called a…

A gazebo? I guessed.

Yes! Yes, a gazebo. 



Smiles from both of us.

I can picture it, I said.

And it’s beautiful.

You should make that one day.



HIs mom returned to the exam room.

We’ve been talking about trees, I informed her.

She raised her eyebrows with surprise and a little confusion.



Tell your mom about the weeping willow idea, I said while walking towards the door.

I’ll let the doctor know you’re ready.


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