Little Tree

Prologue Jared Acosta pulled the hose out of the greenhouse in his back yard and wrapped it up near the side of the house. It was close to midnight, but the stars were shining extra bright tonight. He had worked until late finishing a project, and almost forgotten to water the plants. He stretched, glad to be away from his computer. The sky was blue and deep. He took a breath, savoring the night air. Christmas was in a few days and he wondered what he’d do. Rarely had he ever celebrated it with anyone else. His father had never made much of the holiday. “It’s just there to make us feel better,” he would tell Jared. “I buy you everything you want anyway.” Jared walked back into the greenhouse, appreciative of the solar powered warmth that kept the big room toasty all day long. “I guess I can spend it with you guys,” he whispered to the plants, then closed the door and returned to the crisp night air. Something in the sky caught Jared’s eye and he laughed. “A shooting star. I haven’t seen one in forever.” Jared stared in wonder as another burst from the sky. Was tonight some sort of special meteorological night? He had no idea. Work had consumed him all day. Jared smiled, remembering old sayings about wishing on shooting stars. Even at forty, the idea seemed appealing. He closed his eyes and opened his heart. “I wouldn’t mind feeling a little better,” he said to the night.