Chapter 182
In one dimension, there existed a vast and ancient lifeform.
It cultivated a great tree—its own child, grown from a part of itself. That tree, sacred in origin, matured into a divine being and, in time, developed intelligence.
Eventually, the tree came to love a human.
“Oh great Tree of Life, I beg you, please accept this humble child.”
“Accept this child as your family, O great one of myth.”
“And bless us humans with the gift of life!”
But the tree did not respond.
The limits of human life were part of the natural order decreed by Life itself. No one could receive the Tree’s blessings, which belonged solely to the children of Life.
Yet, as time passed, the love the tree held for the tiny human child only grew.
The child was pure.
Gentle.
And treated the tree like family.