GIVEN TO THE WRONG ALPHA
We carry Eli — not drag, carry — out of the noisy, joyful second classroom, past Hope, to the base of the big Tree where Moira is buried and the white vine still blooms.
The Tree opens its roots without being asked. A hollow forms, just big enough for a man to lie down.
Eli lies down. Jonah crawls in beside him, despite Creek’s soft protest. Silas sits at Eli’s feet, hands on his ankles.
The Tree does not take. It shares. Green light runs up Eli’s arms, into his chest. His hair, which had gone white again, darkens a shade. His breathing evens.
Loan repaid, the Tree hums through the crown, not to me, to him. Stay.
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