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to the side with dread, helpless to watch the majestic tree slowly descending to its death. With a horrendous thud, it struck the ground; inciting a thunderous shockwave through the surrounding trees as if they had gasped in horror at their fallen comrade. My attention remained on the box that was now lost beneath the tree's weight. I scrambled to my feet and pressed my palms against the bark as if I was strong enough to roll it over. As expected, it didn't budge. A boiling cloud of rage thickened within my mind and I spun around in indignation; accusing the trees with a pointing finger.
    "Is this a joke to you?! Are you trying to kill me? Do you know how important that box was? And now it's gone! Gone!"
    As the last word washed over my lips, I felt my essence become razor thin as it shot out from my hand and delivered a strike of electricity into the side of one of the trees. The bark cracked and sizzled as the energy diffused itself downward and into the ground.
    "Now look what you've done!" I hurled at them; knowing full well they didn't deserve the severe lashing I'd just inflicted, but not able to swallow my pride enough to admit it.
    Deciding to attempt once more to roll the downed tree off of the Key, I braced my feet and prepared to throw my weight against the bark. Just as I leapt forward with as much force as I could muster, the trunk rolled over of its own volition; leaving me face down in the dirt. I lay there, helpless and defeated, as I wiped a finger across my now-bloody lip.
    "I have every intention of turning each and every one of you into reams of paper! And then I'm going to rip you to pieces and burn them all until you are all turned to ash! You've messed with the wrong warrior this time, you bastar-"
    My fruitless barrage of threats was cut short as my eyes followed the fallen trunk across the length of the crevasse and onto its fan of branches, which had landed on the opposite side to create a bridge.  Not sure what to think about this sudden turn of events, I inspected the destroyed box, or what I thought would be the destroyed box. However, somehow its silver finish and compact sides were all intact. There wasn't so much as a scratch on it.
    "This changes nothing. You just got lucky," I accused stubbornly, although my tone lacked its earlier harshness. Then, in a quieter voice, "But...thank you." Feeling the forest watching me, I lifted my chin and placed a foot onto the tree bridge. It was broad enough that I could easily walk across, as long as I didn't completely lose my balance. But that was a big 'if'.
    Keeping my eyes trained on the rough bark just ahead of my feet and willing them not to glance down at the hungry chasm below, I noticed the tree's trunk was glistening. My bare feet became sticky with each step I took, and I realized the tree was coating itself with sap; creating a gripping surface for me. With crushing guilt weighing me down and my own stubbornness leaving me speechless, I inched my way across the trunk, not allowing my eyes to sway from the exact spot I planned to place each footfall.
    After several excruciating minutes of visualizing my freefall into the river below, I finally reached the other side. The tree's canopy stretched out flat and lifeless before me, tugging at my heart strings. Did it really sacrifice itself for me? On solid ground once more, I knelt within the canopy and placed my hands on one of the more substantial branches.
    "Thank you, thank you, thank you," I repeated, this time with genuine appreciation. Its leaves rustled ever so lightly and I sensed a weak, yet refreshing, essence wash over my hands in a humble response. I peered into the forest to ensure no one but the trees were watching, leaned down, and gently pressed my lips against the branch. I felt my cheeks flush as I stood hastily and continued on my way. It was possible I'd been transported into an alternate reality. It was the only explanation. A tree had just sacrificed itself for me, and I just