“Can you hear me?” Ethel asked. She was standing in a room deep below the control center of her root network. It was the first day she had felt well enough for the trip and she didn’t want to put it off any longer. The Mother Tree was waking up, and she needed to be there for it.


    “I think so,” a deep voice rumbled in response, seeming to come from roots everywhere around her.


    “Huh, so it’s actually gonna work, boss?” Gus asked, sounding surprised.


    “Of course, having a little faith here, Gus,” Ethel replied with a smile.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    “Her life force is incredibly strong. The roots are already piercing through our reality bubble and creating a new pathway to one of Cal’s realms,” Mr. Oakbert said as his form left the tree roots.


    “That should surprise the hell out of him when he learns about it,” Ethel said with a laugh.


    “You are Ethel, are you not?” the same deep voice asked suddenly.


    “I am. Can you sense us now?” Ethel asked.


    “Everything is still murky. I feel as though I have woken up a great dream about all of this,” the Mother Tree responded.


    “It will get better the longer you’re awake. It took Frank a long time to adjust to it. The important thing is you are here and with us now, and that means the real growth can begin,” Ethel said, sounding excited.