
The Enchanted Tree
By Inry Rokan Yin

04 Oct, 2023

Deep in the heart of the forest, stood a large and majestic tree. This tree was not an ordinary tree. It was known as the enchanted tree, a mystical entity that held a secret within its branches.

The enchanted tree was known for its sweet fruits that hung heavily from its branches, tempting any passerby who dared to venture into the forest. Children were the most attracted to the tree, lured by the delicious smell of the fruits.

The children would try to pick the sweet fruits, but as they climbed the tree, they found that the bark was covered by a very sticky glue. This glue wasn't just sticky, it had a magical property that bound the children to the tree.

As the glue hardened, the children started to be covered by branches, slowly turning into a cocoon. Inside this cocoon, a miraculous transformation would begin.

The children would change into small squirrel-like creatures. They grew long tails, short limbs with claws suitable for climbing, and warm, colorful fur. Their faces morphed into funny looking short muzzles.

But the transformation didn't stop there. The children also gained an instinct to spread the seeds of the enchanted tree all over the forest, ensuring the tree's propagation.

These squirrel-like creatures could only eat the fruits of the enchanted tree. The fruits provided them with all the nutrients they needed to survive in the forest.

When winter came, the creatures would hibernate inside the holes of the enchanted tree. These holes were surprisingly comfortable, providing a warm and safe haven from the harsh winter.

The enchanted tree had a strange effect on these creatures. They never matured, and they never grew old. They remained forever playful and curious, just like children.

Life in the forest was a constant adventure for these creatures. They spent their days playing, exploring and spreading the seeds of the enchanted tree.

They loved climbing the tree, their claws perfectly suited for the task. They would race each other to the top, their laughter filling the forest.

The creatures were very protective of the enchanted tree. They would chase away any threats and diligently care for the tree, ensuring its health and longevity.

Every now and then, a new child would stumble upon the enchanted tree, attracted by the sweet fruits. The creatures would watch from a distance as the transformation process began.

As the child turned into a creature, they were welcomed into the community. They were taught how to climb, how to find food, and how to care for the tree.

The creatures lived in harmony with the forest, their existence a perfect balance of nature and magic. They were a part of the forest, and the forest was a part of them.

The enchanted tree continued to stand tall and strong, its magic undying. It continued to lure children, transforming them into creatures and adding to the forest's diversity.

The existence of the enchanted tree and the creatures became a legend among the villagers nearby. They would tell stories of the magical tree and its inhabitants, passing down the tales from generation to generation.

Some villagers even tried to find the enchanted tree, but the forest kept its secrets well. Only the children, with their pure hearts and innocent curiosity, were able to find the tree.

The creatures never forgot their human past. Sometimes, they would watch the villagers from a distance, their eyes filled with a strange mix of longing and contentment.

They remembered their families, their homes, but they didn't miss them. They had found a new family, a new home in the forest, under the care of the enchanted tree.

As years passed, the creatures continued to live their magical lives. They played, they explored, they protected the enchanted tree, and they continued to spread its seeds.

They watched as the forest flourished, new trees sprouting from the seeds they had spread. They watched as new creatures joined their community, each one adding to the diversity and vibrancy of the forest.

The enchanted tree, in return, continued to care for the creatures. It provided them with food, shelter, and endless adventures. It was their protector, their provider, their home.

The story of the enchanted tree and its squirrel-like creatures is a story of magic, transformation, and harmony. It is a story of a unique bond between a tree and its inhabitants.

And so, deep in the heart of the forest, the enchanted tree continues to stand, a beacon of magic in a world of reality. Its secrets are known only to the squirrel-like creatures, the children of the forest.