Quercus

I was startled, but the intruder was harmless, only an acorn.

I held it like a baby and imagined its little heart beating rapidly, distressed by its adventure.

I nurtured it through the shortening days of autumn, and it grew taller.

Sounds invaded my home, as Carnelian started to babble.

Tears of joy filled my eyes when she uttered her first words: “You’ll be safe.”

She begged me to keep her secret, until she was ready to find her friends.

Days grew longer, and Carnelian grew stronger.

Carnelian kept her promise.

Today, human domination ceased, and the Quercusian age begins.