Chapter One

I find it incredible that something as tiny and insignificant as an acorn could reveal and cause so much. I wonder what would be of the world, if I hadn't stumbled upon the little, pathetic seed.

I was taking a walk in the woods at the peak of summer, observing in hopes of finding inspiration for my writing. Periodically, I would stop to scribble in my journal or capture a priceless moment with my new digital camera.

Mother thinks I'm crazy, to prefer the outdoors despite the heat instead of the air-conditioned indoors. Well, I think I'm perfectly normal; I've always loved the great outdoors and I always will. To me, every animal is interesting, even the slow-paced snails. Which is quite ironic for me to say for I sat on a log, waiting for the right moment to capture a picture of a snail slithering along leaving a light yellowish trail behind.

Once I had shot a picture, which was of it climbing onto the log I currently sat upon, I got up and began shooting random pictures. I flashed a picture of a greenish-yellow snake with black spots curled upon a pine tree's trunk, another of a bird plucking an earthworm from the forest floor, and yet another of that same bird feeding it to it's young.

I was shifting through my pictures when I saw it. A few feet away there lie in the dark, fertile dirt, a lone acorn. Usually, when I saw an acorn, there would be another nearby. But in this strange little acorn's case, there didn't seem to be another for hundreds of yards. Not to mention the lack of any oak trees. For this reason, I took pity on the acorn.

"Poor little acorn," I said cupping it into my hands, "What shall I do with you?"

"Shall I take you back to your friends?" I questioned it, holding it to my ear, pretending it could hear or even talk back. Of course, I heard no response so I assumed it disagreed.

"Oh, so your the silent type, huh?" Still no response, "Well, that's okay," I said plopping back onto the log. I sat there for a few minutes thinking when I got a pretty good idea.

"I know Mr. Acorn! Why don't I just plant you! Then you'd grow into a big, strong oak tree and live your life in happiness!"

"Now don't worry, I won't plant you just anywhere!" I said enthusiastically to the acorn.

I then went on a hunt for the perfect spot. At first, I tried looking for other oak trees, but strangely enough, I didn't find any. Then I tried planting it near some pine trees, but Mr. Acorn felt he didn't belong. Finally, we both settled upon a spot near a pond. It was roomy, quiet, and best of all, had water nearby.

A few feet away from the pond I dug a small hole, that was a little bit bigger than Mr. Acorn. After giving him my blessings, I buried my seedling. I then crouched over the fresh water pond. I saw my reflection, long brownish-red hair, and big brown eyes, with freckles sprinkled upon my twelve year old face, which I simply despised. I rinsed my hands, the water was really cold, so I ended up splashing it onto my face, which was quite relaxing in the summer weather. I then remembered Mr. Acorn.

"My, my, I must appear quite selfish to you, Mr. Acorn," I said cupping water into my hands, "Drink up!"

I felt quite proud for taking care of Mr. Acorn, so I decided I would visit everyday to see how he was doing. I then got the bright idea of making a marker.

I hunted for the perfect stick, finding one in the crystal clear water. Not too small; not too big; not too thin; not too thick; just right. I plucked a stray thread from my white blouse and wrapped it around the stick. I found it much too thin and brittle to be apparent. I eventually used my previously white shoelace which was now caked with mud, knowing I had plenty spares back at home. While I did this, I had the feeling I was being watched, yet dismissed it, for no one but I came to these woods. I skipped merrily all the way home, dreaming of the day Mr. Acorn would grow up.