The Tree’s Lasting Welcome

This thread follows the persistence of The Tree’s welcome as her body and The Boy’s needs change.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Welcome in Play

Welcome in Play The Tree welcomes The Boy into a world of leaves, apples, branches, and shade. Open Access He can play, eat, climb, and rest in her company. Early Generosity The welcome is easy because the tree is still abundant and their needs are shared.

Welcome with Apples

Welcome with Apples The Tree listens as The Boy asks for money and offers apples instead. Careful Answer She recognizes the limit of what she owns but searches for a useful response. Help Extends the Welcome The Boy leaves with the apples, and the tree’s welcome takes a practical form.

Welcome with Branches

Welcome with Branches The Tree responds to The Boy’s wish for a house by allowing him to take her branches. Welcome Despite Cost Her response remains open even as it requires greater loss. An Altered Gift The Boy receives building material, and the tree’s capacity for their former play is reduced.

Welcome with Trunk

Welcome with Trunk The Tree tells The Boy he may use her trunk to make a boat and sail away. Care at Its Limit The welcome enables his departure even though it leaves her almost entirely diminished. Love and Cost The scene tests the relation between the tree’s generosity and the irreversible loss it entails.

Welcome with a Seat

Welcome with a Seat With little left, The Tree welcomes The Boy to sit and rest on the stump. No New Demand The final welcome offers what is already there rather than surrendering another part. Closing Continuity The tree remains receptive to The Boy, bringing the story’s pattern of welcome to a quiet conclusion.

During childhood

At The Boy’s first adult return

At The Boy’s request for a house

At The Boy’s request for a boat

At the ending