EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction, written by a contributor to The Parthenon. This does not reflect The Parthenon’s views. 

The leaves fall around this time, so crisp and crunchy. During this time of the year there is a big Happy Tree that’s quite famous. With two eyes and a mouth carved into the big oak tree, sitting at the edge of the park. 

For decades, lovers signified their love by bundling their love letters together and placing them in the holes of the tree. It is told that once this is done, a leaf will fall ever so gracefully off its branch to show what is to be true: their love. 

Every year goes by, and the notes are no longer there. Skeptics say that the notes are taken out by the city; believers and lovers know that no matter where their letters venture off to, the tree will keep them safe. No one can prove where they go, but no one can deny the mystery that the Happy Tree has become. Though, the tree is much more simple than people actually think. 

Truthfully, the Happy Tree isn’t always a happy tree. It’s an old tree, a dying tree that used to be so full of life and happiness. Now, so lonely, not having another tree to spend its remaining time with. Yet, it does have Fall, and it has its love letters and couples in love spreading their joy to the tree. 

For a short while, that’s enough for the tree. It’s the people that keep it going; their love is a sign of hope for the Happy Tree that there is a chance the tree can find love for itself.  There is hope at the sign of a very small but captivating oak sprouting from the dirt by the Happy Tree. 

Jena Cordle can be contacted at [email protected].