memories - the tree

Growing up, I was (and I am saying this quite proudly) quite a mischievous girl. I loved to explore nature. I stayed with my grandparents until I was about 5 and half years old. Since they were aged, my grandparents used to take afternoon naps everyday. Their nap time was my complete freedom time.

Their home was in a quite, family occupied and safe neighborhood. And 20 years ago, people do not worry much about their kids playing in front of their houses, or embarking on an adventure around the neighborhood.

Sometimes, my cousin was not able to visit me. So, I was left to amuse myself. There was (or still is??) a huge, rambutan tree, surrounded by clean, soft sand in their garden. My days revolved around that tree. I used to sit on the branches and daydream the days away. Sometimes I made up stories and acted out the various characters in my stories. The tree too had a part to play; as my palace :)

That tree was my second home. Today, as I prepare to move in into our own home, I keep thinking of the tree. It listened to a young girl’s fantasy, dreams and complaints. It also holds many of my secrets.

I never named it. It was simply my tree. Today, I miss it.