The Tree and the Birthday – Book Number 3

Parfumia possum came home one day after possum kindergarten, as excited as a possum can be. “Mom”, she said, “all my friends are having birthdays and inviting me. When is my birthday going to be?”

Her mother thought for a few minutes.  “Parfumia, darling, I know exactly when you were born. It was the day right after the leaves on our favorite tree began turning from green to orange and red.”

Parfumia knew which tree was her mom’s favorite and ran right over to have a look. The sun was shining and the leaves were bright green.  She was disappointed.

“Oh tree”, she said, “please hurry up and turn all orange and yellow, so I can invite my friends to my birthday party. Please! Please…..”

The tree of course heard the words of young Parfumia. The tree knew her whole family, her parents, and her parents’ parents. The tree had been around for a long time and had been the family favorite for many generations.

The tree told Parfumia, “I will do the best I can. I will do the best I can.” But Parfumia could not hear. After all, when trees talk (and be sure that they do), who can hear them? No one.

When Parfumia came to visit the tree the very next day, she was amazed to find that all of its leaves had turned yellow, orange and red. Not a single green leaf remained. This was very strange. All the other leaves on all the trees in the forest were still completely green.

Parfumia invited all her friends to her birthday party, under the tree, of course. She gave the tree a great big giant hug. As she did so, she whispered “Thank you”.

She knew the secret.