The tree that touched a hundred lives

Up on the tallest hill of the grassy country side stood a tree. It was no special tree if you glanced at it from a far it seemed nothing out of the ordinary. With its colorful leaves in the fall that littered its base, to its green new leaves that would grow in the summer. That hill where the tree stood tall and proud was the center of the town. Or as some builders saw it, ideal property. They went to the mayor with their plans for new hotels. They hoped it would make the town more money in the summer time with tourists. The mayor was intrigued and the next day plans to chop down the town tree were made. What once was a peaceful shady reading place was covered in construction tape. Large keep out signs were placed all around the tree where family's once laid picnic blankets down to enjoy a cool summer evening. When the town people found out about that mayor's new plans for that spot they were outraged. People started a protest to save the tree. Children walked down the streets chanting "Save are classes reading place". Others protested about how the change would affect the environment. But the mayor and the construction crew continued to turn a blind eye to the people. When the day finally to chop the tree down people gathered around the tree hoping to see it in its beauty one more time. Hoping to be able to run their fingers across the thick rough bark once again. It was a hot summer day they had scheduled it for. 

“Okay citizens it's time to go now we don't want anyone to get hurt.” The mayor said as he wiped his brow of sweat.

“Some people started to file out down the hill until a man yelled,

“Hey! Don't leave yet. If this is the last time we get to see this tree then I want to tell a story about it really quickly.” A very old man was standing there holding herself up with his cane. He had a very colorful wooden hand fan he was fanning his face with.

“Okay you may but make it quick we are on a very tight schedule” The mayor said as he took a seat under the tree to listen to the man's  story.

“I have lived here my whole life. I was born in this town and this tree has always been here. Of course when I was younger it was much smaller. And by much smaller I mean a seed. My father actually planted this tree.” The whole town gasped, the tree had always been there but they had never stopped to wonder who had planted it or how in the world it had gotten there. Everyone just believed  it was always just there. 

“This is why i'm here today. Because me and my father planted this tree and watered it and made sure it was okay for years. My father is now passed and this tree is one or the last things I have left of my father. Don't cut this tree down. It's too special.” The man had finished and slowly sat back down onto the warm grass. People started clapping. It was a very powerful speech that changed minds. 

“May I speak next?” a young child that could only be about 10 or 11 years old stood up. “ Every year my teacher on the last day of school lets us read for the whole rest of the day. But instead of making us read inside like all the rest of the classes she brings us outside and we sit under this tree. It's like my class's special spot. Then in the summer when I start missing my friends my mom takes me here to this tree. So I can sit under it and imagine that it's the last day of school and that i'm still with all of my friends. This tree is special, please don't cut down my class tree.” This little girl spoke from her heart and the whole audience could tell that. The town started clapping and telling her good job as she sat back down on the grass. 

“Okay okay that's quite enough everyone we need to get going on this demo.” The mayor said

“ONE MORE STORY, ONE MORE STORY,ONE MORE STORY!!!” The town started canting. 

“I have one!” A man in his middle age said standing up. “My husband proposed to me at this tree and we've been married ever since.” The man said as he brought his hand down and helped his husband get off the group and they both waved and smiled to the town community. 

The one man that told the first story quickly stands up.

“Correct me if i'm wrong but it seems like everyone here has an emotional tie to this tree. Why are you still planning on cutting it down?” He said looking directly at the mayor. 

“Because this is a decision that has already been made, thank you all for your stories but they are not going to change anything the plans already set. So for the last time please everyone, go home. The night had taken a sad turn as the people slowly walked back to town they heard the saws being powered on. At exactly 2:00 pm the town shook with a thud. The tree that had stood in town for over 70 years had been cut to the ground. People cried as they saw that their town's skylight would never look the same. Children huddled together talking about all the good times that tree had given their class. But there was one person that didn't cry or say a word. It was the old man who told the first story. He never looked back; he just kept walking until he got home. That day the tree was cut not only did the tree die but a part of the town died with it. Today a hotel built 7 stories high stands where that old tree used to stand. A few yards away sits a gravestone that reads here lies the town's tree. And if you look closely you can see that old man on his knees talking to that gravestone for hours a day holding on to the last part of his late father he has left.