From Chapter Six...

Suddenly the trees in the Awareness Forest all bowed down toward one ginormous (as Juke likes to say), stunning Oak Tree standing nearby. It was Ella, The Wise Oak, the matriarch of the Awareness Forest. A gentle wind blew through her branches, and her eyes opened wide to welcome me. A smile stretched across her broad trunk. It was as grand as she was. I ran toward her, as white lilies, ferns, and thick, soft grass suddenly sprouted around the luscious space.

"Welcome, my child." Ella said.

I paused. I was awestruck. I looked toward IGGI and asked, "What do I say?"

“Try ‘Thank you,’" IGGI responded.

I looked up at her grandness, her beauty, her calm presence. "Thank you.” I nodded, then bowed awkwardly as I nervously placed my hands in my pockets. “Who are you? I…I guess I’ve never met a tree before." I said.

"I am Ella, The Wise Oak." she responded.

IGGI then whispered to me, "Say 'Nice to meet you.'"

"Nice to meet you," I said to Ella.

IGGI whispered again to me, "See how easy this ‘listen to your gut thing’ is Alia?”

I smiled back at IGGI, as Ella responded, “Nice to meet you. Who are YOU, my child?”

"I am Alia."

"I know that." Ella replied.

The surrounding trees rustled their leaves, the long grass waved in the wind, and the butterflies were glowing bright.

"But you asked me," I replied.

"Who are YOU, Alia? I know what your name is, but who ARE YOU?"