My headlights bounced of Saphix's reflectors as the hooptie turned onto Cemetery Street. The driveway stones crackled under the hooptie's weight. I closed the driver's side door and slunk across my front yard. As I slid my key into the door I heard the distinct chirp of Shannie's whistle. I exhaled, trudged down the front steps and towards the elm between our houses.
"Where've you been?" Shannie asked from the limbs above.
"Aren't you a little too old to be climbing trees," I looked up into the limbs barely noticing her outline in the darkness.
"The day I'm too old is the day they plant me in the ground. Everyone should have a personal relationship with a tree."
"If you say so," I said staring at my feet. I was too guilt ridden to look at Shannie's shadow. Passing cars punctuated our silence.
"Beautiful night," Shannie mumbled. Her hair dangled over a shoulder as she glanced across Fernwood.
"Yeah," I wished I could run my fingers through her hair. "I'm beat. I'm going to turn in. See you later."
"Later," Shannie answered.
Walking away I felt Shannie's eyes upon my back. "James," her voice slithered across the grass before wrapping itself around me. Its softness sent goosebumps up and down my spine.
I faced the tree. "Yeah Bug?" I answered.
"Nothing," the tree answered.
"You sure?" I asked the swaying limbs.
"Goodnight Just James."
"'Night Bug."
As I walked away I thought I heard the tree whisper, "Promise that you'll love me forever."