1.

  It was alive. The sapling just barely emerged from an ordinary seed was aware of the earth cradling it and the air moving its small leaves, though it had no sense of self. The world it lived in was simple, ruled by a single unshakeable rule: survival.

  The days blurred together in a smooth blend of sensations a rhythmic dance between the embrace of the days warmth, and the steeped damp coolness of the nights. The earth beneath remained the sole constant, providing the sapling with strength and stability.

  Gradually its roots grew deeper into the soil, seeking sustenance, while its branches mirroring the roots extended further into the sky.

  Then, without warning, the steady and predictable earth changed. An unexpected flood of liquid, like water, but not really water swamped its roots. Like molten lava, the strange liquid seared through the saplings tender cells. Unable to control the liquid’s absorption into its body, it could only endure the process.

  The hot liquid inflicted pain and wrecked havoc in the sapling’s small body. Yet, it also brought change. Major alterations at the cellular level were now occurring with increasing speed.

  For days, the sapling’s reshaping persisted, an endless torment. Then, unexpectedly, after countless alterations to its frail body the ordeal stopped. The feeling was so overwhelmingly unsettling. Awareness blossomed within, consciousness, knowledge of its own existence. It understood now; it was a sapling.

  Unbeknownst to the young sapling it had just gained a soul. Previously, its existence had been only a vestige of rudimentary awareness. Yet now, under the nourishment of the mysterious liquid, it blossomed into a fully fledged soul This monumental transformation brought with it a cascade of new vibrant and sharp sensations. The sapling could now perceive its surroundings. It discerned the world through a strange, new awareness that extended beyond its physical body, like an unseen aura.

  Through this newfound sense, it discovered the source of the outlandish liquid that triggered everything. It was a peculiar something, laying upon the earth, unrooted and unmoving. As the sapling probed gently with its new sense, it noticed that this other something also had two branches and a trunk albeit more thicker than the saplings’s slender body. The trunk appeared fractured, and a trail of dried liquid, linked it to the earth. This enigmatic liquid leaking from the something seemed to be source of its profound metamorphosis. Was this a normal occurrence? The sapling did not know: it had yet to contemplate such abstract notions. It simply existed.

  The sapling continued existing and gradually grew bigger and bigger. It soon discovered another profound change. In could now act with intent. Previously its branches and roots would grow in a predetermined manner, instinctively seeking out thee nearest source of nourishment. But now, the sapling discovered it could guide their growth through its own willpower. As it observed its own body, the sapling felt fragile and vulnerable. It yearned to become thicker and more robust to better withstand any challenge.

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  One day, the sapling uncovered a new source of nourishment. It was an omnipresent energy seamlessly waved through the very fabric of the world, permeating all reality. Willing it the sapling discovered it could slowly absorb this energy into its cells. While it still needed water and minerals from the earth this newfound nourishment was superior on a qualitative level. The sapling used the energy to slowly refine its own cells, fortifying them with increased strength and resilience. Furthermore, its perception sense expanded day by day until it could encompass a large radius of hundreds of meters. Surrounding it were towering trees, with branches stretched wide, and beneath them delicate young sapling almost identical to itself. The sapling reached out with its sense, trying to establish some form of connection, or at least acknowledgement from its kin. Yet all it got was an echoing silence. Its brothers were as still and unresponsive as stones, much like the sapling itself before awakening.

  Changing its focus the sapling was immediately captivated by the living creature bustling around. It sensed something different, their vibrant souls, much like its own. The sapling felt closer to these animated beings than to its own silent siblings The diversity of these creatures was astonishing. Some would push against the air, lifting themselves up in the sky, while others crawled across the earth in their own unique way.

  Time went on and the sapling was gradually transforming, and was now adorned with many thin branches reaching out like elongated fingers toward the sun. The air temperature began to slowly drop, and the days grew shorter and shorter.An unusual thing was now happening to the other trees. The sapling’s brothers started shedding their now lifeless leaves, letting them drift to the ground. Yet, the sapling chose defiance. It would not surrender its leaves. Harnessing the absorbed energy coursing through its body, it fortified its cells to the limit of its ability. Despite its valiant efforts, over half of its leaves withered and fell as the weather turned colder and colder. Every day and night became an unending battle against the elements. This was change! the sapling exclaimed, a new understanding dawning upon its young consciousness.

  If change occurred once, perhaps it will once more, it thought. Maybe the comforting embrace of warmth will return.

  After many days of enduring this relentless struggle the weather shifted again. The temperature slowly, almost imperceptibly, began to rise. Spring was on the horizon, returning with gentle steps. Around the sapling, life began to reawaken. The nature surrounding it burst into bloom and its brothers grew fresh new leaves. The sapling too replaced its fallen leaves with new ones. Now fully clad once more the sapling felt a curious sensation. It was a feeling of anticipation, excitement for the days yet to come.

  Time drifted by as the sapling flourished with astonishing speed, outpacing its brothers thanks to the nourishment provided by the surrounding energy. As the next winter approached, the sapling had transformed in more than a sapling. It had become a young tree. Numerous branches sprouted from its still slender trunk, stretching around. The young oak was determined, and decided that it would grow to be the largest and most magnificent tree in existence.

  In preparation for this winter the young tree fortified itself even more using the nourishing energy. Unlike his brothers who started shedding their leaves again and slowly slipped into a state of hibernation as winter took hold, the young oak made a bold decision. It will remain evergreen, stubbornly holding onto its leaves.