My Short Short for the Day

Alice wandered down the worn path thinking about the scent of the ocean wafting through on the warm summer breeze and the coo of the birds nesting above.  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.  It had been such a pleasant date yesterday.  Tom was tall with a broad chest and soft green eyes.  When he smiled at her she felt the flutter of a million butterflies in her stomach.  She felt so light she wanted to sing.  It was totally out of character for her but since no one was around she opened her mouth as a favorite tune bubbled up and she stopped abruptly.

The tree loomed in front of her.  She'd never seen it before.  How could she have not noticed it before?  How long had it been there?  She slowly walked forward never taking her eyes off the tree.  She blinked.  Did it move?  Had the limbs shifted?  Limbs...her mind started to untangle the branches and shift them until her eyes saw what looked strangely like limbs...arms reaching out.

She stopped just inches from the trunk.  Her body began to shudder, then shake until she grabbed at the trunk to steady herself.  The jolt flashed through her jerking her body around like a rag doll for what felt like hours.  But only seconds later her body slumped to the ground, her hand singed and her body vibrating.

She opened her eyes and pulled herself to sitting.  What happened?  I...I can't remember.  What was I doing?  She looked at her hand and stared trying to understand why it was burnt.  She pushed herself to her feet never taking her eyes off her hand.  As she tried to take a step she nearly fell.  She looked down at her feet or what used to be her feet.  Now there were roots wrapped around where her feet were supposed to be with vines winding their way up her legs.  She could make no sound.  Within moments the roots and vines had covered her completely.  She stiffened under the weight, tilting her head towards the sun.  The warmth felt good as she closed her eyes.