Heart of the Wood

Day 19

I lay in the dark, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts won't stop churning over in my mind and sleep feels far away. I don't even turn my head to cough, and the inevitable sneezes flash in the gloom before leaving a charred mark above me.

Come home to us. Stay with your family.

The voices follow me no matter what I do. Whenever I start to feel relaxed enough to sleep they return, calling me back.

"The trees," I muse, remembering Tree Hugger's visit. "There's no way it could be the trees. They are in the swamp at the edge of the Everfree. I couldn't hear them so far away."

Join us. You are part of us. Come home.

I grind my teeth together. "Just shut up! I need sleep."

Join us now. We want you with us. You'll never be alone.

"Leave me alone! I'm staying here!" I insist loudly.

"Heart Wood?" comes the familiar voice through the speaker. I look over and see Nurse Sweetheart watching me with a concerned expression. "I came to see if you got to sleep yet. I can go if you want to be left alone."

My cheeks feel warm as I realize she heard me. "No, that's alright. I, um, guess I was talking to myself." I force a smile. "I have a lot on my mind. It's making it hard to sleep."

She puts on her comforting smile, nodding. "I can imagine why. Would you like to talk about it? It might help."

Stay with us. You will know peace here.

I do my best to ignore the voices in my ear. "Actually, I think I would. I just don't know where to start."

For the first time since arriving I see Sweetheart sit down, right on the floor in front of the window. "Maybe start with what's keeping you awake tonight," she says. "Even with the nightmares you've gotten some sleep on every other night. What's on your mind now?"

Come home. Join us here.

"I've been thinking about that last symptom, confusion. How would I know if I have it?" I shrug, smiling. "If I'm confused, everything might seem normal to me."

She chuckles, nodding. "That's a possibility. In that case we would depend on our observations to tell. It is a pretty broad symptom, so it covers a lot of behaviors: forgetting things, changing your mind a lot, odd actions, things like that."

You are welcome here with us.

I shut my eyes, quietly willing them to stop. I turn my next question over in my mind, then breathe out. "And what about… hearing things? Things that aren't there?"

She tilts her head, mulling it over. "I suppose it could be considered confusion," she says. "Usually we call that an auditory hallucination, though."

"Either way that doesn't sound like something good to have happen," I mutter.

Sweetheart looks me over for a moment. "Heart, I want you to know I've become very fond of you. I care about all my patients, but you are a genuinely good pony. You don't deserve any of what's happening to you."

I open my mouth to answer, but no words come. Tears well up in the corners of my eyes. "Thank you," I finally manage. "You've been so nice to me."

"I want to ask as someone who cares about you," she begins, slowly, as if she's trying not to frighten me. "Are you hearing something that isn't there?"

Come to us. We love you. Come home.

I take a deep breath, holding it, then nod quickly.

"It's alright, Heart. Knowing that will let me care for you better." She smiles softly. "How long have you been hearing it?"

"They started in my dreams," I say. "Just whispers in my nightmares. Then the voices became clear. And then… I started hearing them when I was awake."

Sweetheart takes that in, nodding slowly, not a speck of judgment showing in her features. "When did you start hearing them outside your dreams?"

"When my friends were here," I admit. "I thought I was just missing what somepony said."

"That's about when I figured," she says.

I lift my head. "You knew?"

Sweetheart smiles and shakes her head. "I suspected something was going on. You really aren't very good at hiding things."

I feel my cheeks getting warm. "I guess I have my parents to thank for that. They always taught us to be honest."

She nods once. "Do you hear them now?"

I nod, closing my eyes. "Almost all the time now."

"Are you comfortable telling me what the voices say?" she asks gently.

Join us. Come to your family. Stay here forever.

"No point hiding it," I say with a smirk. "They are calling to me. They want me to come to them; to stay with them. They promise joy and belonging. They say I'm one of them."

"One of who?" she asks.

I open my eyes again, looking into hers. "The trees. It's the bloodwood trees."

She doesn't answer right away. "I'm going to keep this in confidence, Heart, between friends." She stands again. "You should get some sleep if you can. With your nightmares the doctor prescribed a mild sedative, as needed. If you want it, I'll bring it in."

Join us. Join your family.

I sigh, and nod. "That might be best."

I drift through the forest, following the call of the trees towards a distant light. My hooves barely touch the rich soil. A faint ribbon of light winds around the dense underbrush, leading me ever forward.

Come home to us, Heart.

I glance to one side and see the logging camp. The crew all smile at me as I pass. I try to go to them, but I just keep moving past.

"Time to head home, rookie," Clear Cut says.

"Your family needs you," adds Buzzcut.

"Make them proud," Plum urges.

They are gone, the forest closing up around them.

Don't wait, Heart. Come home.

I see my family home. Everyone stands on the porch. They smile brightly.

"We knew you'd go far," my Mom says.

"I'm so proud of you, Heart," Dad says.

"I love you so much, Heart," Sappy gushes.

I try to turn. "No," I whisper, unable to speak louder. "I want to stay here. I want to stay with my family."

We are your family, Heart. Come home.

"No!" I shout. They all disappear behind me.

"I'm dreaming," I mutter. "Why can't I wake up?"

I hear howls all around me. Timberwolves pace along beside me. Part of me knows I should run, but I keep moving forward. Somehow I'm not afraid, and the timberwolves walk easily as if escorting me to my destination.

The forest parts and I see the trees. They part to either side, opening a path. The timberwolves stand along both sides of the path, sending up a howl as I pass. Soon I'm in the center of the stand.

My hooves settle to the dark, rich soil. I look all around, seeing a face in the bark of each tree, framed with dripping, blood-red sap. None of them look familiar.

Welcome home, Heart Wood. We are your family now.

I press my eyes shut. "Wake up now," I whisper to myself. "Wake up. Wake up!"

I feel my hooves sinking deeper. I look and see roots stretching into the soil. I pull a hoof up and it's covered in dripping blood. The soil is saturated with it. I put my hoof down again and it sticks deep into the ground.

"Wake up now," I say urgently. Bark spreads quickly over my legs, my flanks, my barrel. "Wake up!"

Join us, Heart Wood.

I can't move. Bark flows up around my neck and head. "No!" I scream, but it doesn't stop. I'm completely covered. I feel branches growing, roots spreading, leaves and flowers sprouting. In moments the transformation completes.

I scream inside my wooden body as the trees begin to sing.

I'm just finishing my lunch, including the sweet pears added on the side, when Nurse Sweetheart returns. "Somepony was hungry," she says brightly.

I nod, wiping the pear juice from my lips. "Sleeping through breakfast does that, I guess. It all tastes so good."

She grins. "I'm glad you liked the pears, too." After a look down the hall she adds, "Did a good sleep help with your other issue?"

You belong here. Come home.

I take a breath and shake my head. "Not in my dreams or when I'm awake. The only difference with the pills was that I couldn't wake up when the nightmares got bad."

"I'm sorry," she says, the grin fading. "I hoped they would keep the dreams away. They are only as-needed, so if you want to skip them it's no problem."

I shrug. "I did wake up feeling rested, so we'll see. I don't know if not sleeping at all is better."

Sweetheart nods once. "Just let me know," she says. Her horn glows and she floats the dirty tray to the door. "Is there anything else you need right now, sugarcube?"

I hesitate, chewing over a thought. "Actually yes," I say slowly, then look over at her. "Would you bring in the flowers my parents sent, please?"

She raises a brow. "Are you certain, Heart?"

"Yes," I say, nodding, my chest feeling tight. "I'm ready."

"Alright," she answers with a smile. "I think you're making the right choice. I'll be back in a few minutes."

As she walks away I lay my head back, staring at the ceiling. My heartbeat feels like I'm running full gallop. The voices return but I ignore them, my mind full of the last few conversations with my parents. I try to steady myself with a deep breath and instead get a coughing fit.

Nurse Sweetheart returns as I get control of myself, swatting at the bubbles floating around my head. "I'm sorry these are leaving the break room," she says and takes a sniff of the bouquet. "They smell so good." The door opens and she floats the vase to my nightstand.

I look up at the arrangement and gasp, raising a hoof to my mouth.

"I've never seen that small blue flower before, but it smells so delightful," she says as the vase comes to rest and the door closes. "Do you know what it is?"

Tears well up in my eyes. I can't look away from the varied blooms. A sob catches in my throat. "That's rosemary. It's for remembrance."

Sweetheart raises a brow. "Are you alright, Heart? Do you want me to take them away?"

I can only shake my head, tears flowing.

She watches for a moment, then asks gently, "What do you mean about rosemary?"

I sniff back my tears, getting a deep whiff of the flowers' fragrance. "My mother arranged these," I say quietly. "It's been her hobby all my life. She would tell me that every flower, every color, has a meaning, and every arrangement tells a story." I can't hold back more coughs.

Sweetheart waits patiently. "What story does this arrangement tell you, sugarcube?" she asks when I get control again.

I point to a long cluster of tiny blue flowers. "Blue hydrangea is a heartfelt apology. Pink tulips declare love, red carnations mean love and pride, and the rosemary is remembrance." I move my hoof along the arrangement, voice cracking as I put it together. "We are so sorry. We love you, we're proud of you," I sob, "and we'll always remember you."

Tears win out and I sit there, looking at the flowers and weeping. After a few minutes Sweetheart clears her throat and I turn towards her, having forgotten she was still there. I see her wiping at her cheeks. "What can I do for you, Heart?" she asks. "I'm here for whatever you need."

I look at the arrangement again. "I think I need to be alone for a while."

She nods slowly. "Of course. If you want anything, even just a friendly ear, ring for me." With a lingering look at the flowers, she closes the curtain over the window and walks away.

I sit there for a long time, crying and thinking about my mom and dad. I'm only interrupted by the occasional cough or sneeze. The voices are mercifully silent.

I look over the arrangement again and spot something tucked low behind the leaves. I reach in and pull out a small envelope with my cutie mark drawn on the outside.

My hooves shake as I stare at it. Finally I open it and unfold the letter inside.

Heart Wood,

I've tried to start this letter six times. There's so much to say, but all of it seems hollow except for this: we love you, Heart. We always have, and always will. If you don't believe anything else I say, please believe that.

Your father and I only want the best for you. We just let our pride get in the way instead of listening to you about what that was. We thought that, of your brothers and sister, you would be the one to take over the family business someday. I saw your drive and ambition, and I knew you would go far. I should have encouraged you to chase your dreams instead of trying to choose them for you.

It was the same with our visit. I thought I knew best what you needed, and I ignored what the rest of the family needed. I should have listened to you, but instead I hurt you when you most needed us.

I am so ashamed. Not only that our arrogance drove you away, but that doing so put you in harm's way. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us before the end.

I love you so much. I will never forget you.

Mom

I lower the letter after reading it for the third time. Tears flow freely down my cheeks. I clutch the letter to my chest, close my eyes, and cry.

Day 20

I'm in the forest again. Trees sway in the warm breeze as I follow the logging trail. The sun lowers towards the horizon, leaving me in deep shadow.

Darkness falls but I keep walking, the trail between the trees clear under the moonlight. Crickets chirp and leaves rustle. Far ahead I see a soft glow through the trees.

Heart Wood, where are you?

I look around then see them far off by the glow: my parents. I see them clearly even though they appear so far away.

We're waiting for you. Come join your family.

I start running. "I'm coming!" I call out. Somehow every step takes them further away. I see my sister and brothers now, waving me onward.

We miss you, Heart. Come to us.

I'm at a full gallop now, panting with the effort. "Stay there! I'm almost to you." I finally seem to get closer. They are waiting with open hooves.

They disappear. I hear them calling to me off to the woods to the right. I dive in between the trees, following the sound of their voices. "Mom! Dad! Sappy! I'm coming!"

Come home, Heart Wood. Come home.

I catch glimpses of them among the trees. Flashes of their faces appear all around. I run after them, frantic to reach my family.

I barrel into a clearing, my family nowhere to be seen. Skidding to a stop I see the glow coming from the center of the glade. "Mom! Dad!" I shout. "Where are you?"

We're right here.

They are all standing in the light, holding out their hooves.

Come to us, Heart. We're so happy you're here.

I step forward into the light and their embrace. Love washes through me, warm and radiant, as I nuzzle against them. "I never want to let go," I whisper.

They all step back as one, smiling at me. I try to follow but my hooves won't move. I look down and see bark growing up along my legs. "Wait!" I cry. "I want to go with you. Don't leave me here!"

We aren't leaving. You've come home.

Where my family stood is a circle of bloodwood trees, swaying in the wind. I can feel my roots burrowing down into the ground, entwining themselves with the roots of the surrounding trees. The bark spreads over my flanks.

We are here with you. We will hold you and keep you safe.

I watch the bark spreading and my flesh growing wooden. "Why am I not afraid?" I wonder. Only the peaceful warmth I felt when hugging my family remains.

Soon the bark reaches my neck. Branches sprout from my back and flanks, leaves spreading over them. I look back at the trees and see my mother's face seemingly grown from the bark.

We love you, Heart. Stay with us forever.

The bark covers my face but I can still see. All around me are the faces of my family and friends appear in the trees. They smile and whisper their love to me.

My eyes open and I'm back in bed in the hospital. I can see sunlight reflecting down the hall, and the smell of eggs and toast fills the room. I sit up, looking over at the breakfast plate on the nightstand. A steaming hot plate of eggs wait for me, along with glasses of milk and juice, and a single orange in the corner of the tray.

"Good morning, sugarcube," I hear Nurse Sweetheart from the window. "I hope I didn't wake you. You looked like you were having a pleasant dream for once."

I stretch, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "I don't know if I did," I say. "It looked like a nightmare, but it felt so… peaceful."

She smiles. "I'd take that over the way they were before any day. Go ahead and eat your breakfast. Call if you need anything."

I nod and tuck into the meal, cutting a wedge of orange. The final image of my dream keeps playing in my mind as I chew the sweet, acidic fruit.

We love you, Heart. We're waiting for you to come home.

I sigh, listening to the voices as I eat. For the first time they sound almost pleasant.

It's mid-afternoon and I'm reading my mother's letter again. I've lost track of how many times I've read it through, but each time makes me feel lighter. It's like unhitching a load I didn't even know I was pulling. My thoughts linger on my parents for the first time in days without anger or sorrow.

I'm reaching out for the call button when a coughing fit overtakes me, bubbles filling the air around my bed. "Isn't it bad enough this disease is gonna kill me?" I mutter when I can catch my breath. "Does it have to make me look ridiculous, too?" Finally the coughing subsides. I take a deep breath, only to sneeze out a little bolt of lightning that singes the hoofboard. I rub my aching forehead. "Looks like it does."

My back starts to itch. I twist around to scratch it and sigh. "The doctor never said anything about itching as a symptom," I say."

Now a spot on my scalp begins to itch, too. I set the letter on the nightstand and scratch there, giving a satisfied sigh as the feeling subsides. Then a spot low on my hind leg begins itching, and on my shoulder. "Where is that nurse?" I mutter. I reach up and idly scratch at my shoulder. The itch subsides slowly.

My hoof hits something hard jutting out of the back of my shoulder, and an unexpected jolt of pain shoots through my senses. "What is that?" I look around for a mirror, but there's nothing reflective close at hoof. I twist in the bed, trying to see whatever it is but it's just out of sight. My heart races, and I throw off the sheets to look at my hind leg.

I stare at it. I recognize what it is, any filly would, but the image just won't connect in my brain.

It's a little twig, with little leaves sprouting from the end— sticking up from my leg. As I watch, another leaf grows from the tip.

I grab the twig and pull. "Oww!" I cry at the intense pain running up my leg. I see a trickle of blood flowing out from the base of it. Tears well up in my eyes. "No," I whisper.

I take hold again with both hooves. Gritting my teeth, I pull harder, leaning back for more leverage. The agony is worse than I've ever felt. I close my eyes and keep pulling. Light flashes behind my eyelids when the stick gives way and I feel something warm and wet over my legs and belly.

I open my eyes, panting against the pain. In my hoof is the twig, dripping blood from the tip. My leg aches and blood spreads over the sheets.

I drop the twig and feel around my shoulder until I find it. "No, no, no," I say through clenched teeth. I grip it firmly and pull as hard as I can, twisting the leafy stick. My vision washes out behind bright light when it snaps. I hear blood splattering over the wall and floor and I throw the stick away, frantically grabbing for the next itching spot.

"Get it out! Get it out!" I start yelling, breathing haggard. I pull harder, my vision blurring from pain and tears, until the twig rips free from my back. Blood squirts over the sheets as I grab at the twig on my scalp. "Get them out of me!"

Pain grows as I yank and pull at the leaves, splattering blood over sheets, pillows, flowers, and cards. Blood pours over my face, blinding me as much as the agony. I pull with all my strength, screaming as loud as my lungs can manage, until the branch pulls away. I can feel skin peeling away with it.

"What's going on in— Sweet Celestia!" I barely recognize Nurse Sweetheart's voice. Seconds later I feel my hooves being forced down to the bed by her magic. "I need help in here!" she yells. "Code blue! Code blue!"

I writhe against her grip, screaming my throat raw. "Get them out! Get them out of meeee!" I can't stop. I only vaguely hear ponies approaching, orders being shouted. My body aches with every beat of my racing heart, and all over I feel more twigs growing from my skin.

There's a sharp jab, then darkness washes over me.

Day 22

Images tumble through my mind, disjointed and blending one into another. I'm aware that I am dreaming, but can't stop.

I see my family, first sad then welcoming. Then my work friends float by. Nurse Sweetheart smiles at me, then Clear Cut is yelling. Words jumble and twist. "Watch it, rookie!... Get some rest, sugarcube… It'll be alright, you'll see… Did you ask him yet, Heart?... Never want to see your ungrateful hide… We just came to support you… The trees are alive… We love you so much…"

Through it all, there are the trees. Tall, strong, and feeling so welcoming. I feel their smooth bark against my hooves and smile. They feel like… home

We love you, Heart. Please come back to us. Come home before it's too late.

The trees start to fall away, receding into darkness. I try to chase after them, but my hooves are rooted to the spot. "No! Don't leave me!" I cry as they start to disappear. "I want to be with you. Don't leave me alone."

My eyes open. I'm laying in the hospital bed with afterimages of the dream flashing across my sight. I sigh, shaking my head clear.

I try to rub my eyes, but my hooves won't lift more than a few inches. I look down and see them tied to the bed with thick and sturdy-looking canvas cuffs. Moving my hind legs under the sheet tells me they are tied, too.

I look more carefully and see leaves and small branches sticking out here and there along my body. I can feel one on the side of my head, and another at my shoulder. Bandages are wrapped around me in spots, although the aching pain is nearly gone

I stare at the leaves for minutes. None of the panic and fear remain, only a sense of peace. I look closer, seeing how the skin around the twigs blends right into the wood with no breaks. They are truly a part of me.

I hear voices from the hall drawing closer, the speaker on despite no pony standing at the window. As they become clear I close my eyes and listen.

"Make sure you monitor her closely, nurse," say a deep voice, full of authority. "When you see signs of roots sprouting from her hooves, alert me immediately. We'll only have a short time to get her outside before the transformation completes."

"Yes, doctor," comes the swift response. I recognize Nurse Sweetheart's voice immediately. There's a stifled yawn, then she adds, "It's a shame we have to move her. I'd like her to be comfortable right to the end."

"It's unavoidable," the doctor says. "If we let her change in the isolation room she'd end up damaging it, and it would take longer to dispose of her. We already have to bring in a tree removal company from Canterlot. The logging company here refused the job." There's a pause then he adds, "Perhaps you should go home and get some sleep. Another nurse can monitor her."

"No, doctor, I'm fine," she answers immediately. "I promised her I would be with her to the end. You would have to drag me out of here. She deserves no less."

There's a pause. "As you wish. I assume you're keeping her sedated as I ordered."

"Yes, doctor, and restrained, as ordered."

He answers with authority in his tone. "Do you disagree with those orders, nurse?"

I hear her sigh. "I just think she should be allowed to choose how she faces what's to come. It's her life ending, after all. She might want to face it with her eyes open."

"I know you've gotten close to this patient, nurse," he says. "Believe me when I say this is the more merciful approach. You saw her reaction to the first leaves sprouting. Would going through her last moments scared and in pain be better for her?" He adds in a quieter tone, "Part of me wants to just up the dosage of her sedative and spare her that end entirely."

Sweetheart gasps. "Doctor! How could you even think that? It's a violation of every rule of ethical behavior."

"I know that, nurse," he answers, sounding annoyed. "I would never order such a thing. It's just in cases like this I wonder if ethics get in the way of mercy." He takes a deep breath. "Anyway, you should get back to your duties, nurse. It won't be long for her now."

"Yes, doctor," she responds, and his hoofsteps fade away down the hall.

I hear some rustling of items, then the door open and close. "Is that going to kill me?" I ask, opening my eyes and looking right at her.

Sweetheart gasps and nearly loses her magical grip on the syringe. "Oh my!" She lets out her breath. "You startled me, sugarcube. I didn't expect you to be awake."

I keep staring at her, lips pressed tight. "Well?" I say. "Is it going to kill me like the doctor wanted?"

Her eyes grow wide. "You heard that?" She shakes her head, a little smile coming to her lips. "Of course you did. No, this won't kill you. It's the same dose of sedative we've given you since you hurt yourself. I would never do that, Heart, no matter who ordered it."

I nod slowly laying back again."How long was I asleep?"

"Two days, sugarcube," she answers softly. "You did a lot of damage to yourself. The doctor wanted to avoid you doing it again."

I sigh. "Only one day left," I mutter, "if I'm lucky." I lift my head so I can look at her and pull against the cuff on my leg. "Doesn't this stop me from hurting myself?"

Her smile fades. "Mostly," she admits, "but you could hurt yourself pulling on the restraints, too. I would hate to see that happen."

I feel my cheeks growing warm as I imagine what she must have seen. "I'm sorry you found me like that," I say sheepishly. "When I saw those leaves sticking out of me, I just couldn't get my head around it. It's one thing to be told you'll turn into a tree, and something else to see it happening. I guess I just snapped."

Sweetheart nods. "You certainly snapped those twigs," she quips, then gasps and covers her mouth with a hoof.

I stare at her, mouth hanging open at what she said. After a moment I chuckle, then laugh, letting go of the tension. She laughs along with me. For a few blissful moments everything else is forgotten.

"Ah, I needed that," I say when I can catch my breath.

She grins, nodding. "A good laugh can heal a lot of ills, sugarcube."

My smile remains, but my voice is quiet. "Not all of them." I look at the nightstand and finally notice the empty surface. "Wait. Where are my flowers? My letter?"

Sweetheart's smile fades. "I'm so sorry, Heart," she says softly. "They were covered in blood after what happened. I tried to save at least the letter, but it was soaked through. We had to dispose of them because of the contamination hazard."

I swallow hard against the rising feeling in my throat. "It's alright," I say, forcing a smile. "I understand. You've got to keep everypony safe. I memorized the letter, anyway. I won't forget a word, or the scent of rosemary."

She nods, wiping at her cheek. "Even so, I'm sorry it happened."

"I appreciate that," I say gratefully. I look over at the syringe, still floating between the bed and the door. "What are we going to do about that?"

Sweetheart looks over at it as if she'd forgotten she was holding it. "What do you want me to do with it?" she asks, looking back at me.

I take a deep breath. "I was thinking about what you said to the doctor. I do want to face the end with my eyes open. But I also don't want you to get in trouble for not following your orders."

She thinks about it for a moment, then nods. The syringe floats towards me and I sigh, laying my head back. "I understand."

The needle descends to my foreleg. Instead of the poke I'm expecting, I feel something cool and wet squirting over my skin. I look just in time to see the last of the medicine leaving the needle. I look over at Sweetheart's smiling face. "Won't you get in trouble for this?"

She shrugs. "In trouble for what?" she asks, the syringe already floating out the door. "I administered the shot. The syringe is empty. I guess I'm more tired than I thought." She winks. "Oops."

My smile grows wide enough to hurt my cheeks. "Thank you."

"My pleasure," she says softly. "Now, is there anything else you need?"

I nod slowly. "Do you have any paper?" I ask. "I wanted to write a few letters while I still can."

She raises a brow. "I do have some, but I can't explain releasing your restraints if the doctor returns." She floats a clipboard up from her cart, and a pen over it. "I can write them down for you, though. Whenever you're ready, Heart."

I smile at her. "You really are the best." Taking a breath and letting it out slowly, I begin. "Dear Mom…"

I lay in bed watching the ceiling. Despite the restraints, I smile calmly, my heart feeling lighter than it has in weeks. It took a long time, writing letters to all of my family, Clear Cut, and the rest of the crew, but it was definitely worth it.

Hurry, Heart. Come home!

The voices are constant now. I don't mind. I just know they want what's best for me. "Thank you," I murmur. "I don't know if I can make it."

You have to try! It's not too late.

"I'm tied up. They won't let me go."

Please, Heart. Come to us. We'll show you the way.

I feel an itch and look down in time to watch another small branch growing from my barrel. Leaves sprout from the tip, and I think I see a flower bud. I smile again. "It won't be long now."

"Whoa, righteous!" I hear from the entrance. I look and see Tree Hugger, still in her wheelchair, rolling past the open door. "Your aura is so clear and pure now, Heart Wood. You are so beautiful."

I smile broadly, watching her approach the bedside. "Thank you, Tree Hugger. I wrote to everypony that I had words to say to. I feel so much lighter." I chuckle. "I think they call it being at peace."

She nods once. "Groovy. That's why I'm here. I have a question for you."

"Anything you want to ask," I say.

She leans in closer. "I overheard the doctor talking about what they want to do after you become a tree."

I nod. "I heard them, too. They said my friends from the logging crew refused to do it. That made me very happy."

Tree Hugger smiles. "That's radical! I told you the trees are alive, and it would be so harsh if they cut you down just as you finished your transformation."

"Yeah, it will be," I agree. I shake my leg in the restraint. "But what can I do about it?"

"That's, like, what I wanted to ask. It has to be your choice." She nods to the restraints. "Do you want to stay here and die as a pony, or return to the forest and live as a tree?"

I look into her eyes. Only sincere love and compassion reflect back to me.

Hurry, Heart Wood! Hurry home. Follow our path.

"I want to live," I say with conviction.

"Righteous!" she says and starts loosening my bonds.

Once my forelegs are free I help with the rest. "How will I get out past the nurses and everypony else?"

She flashes me a mischievous smile. "Leave that to me. Once I distract them, go down the hall to the left. The back exit is at the end and around a right turn, the door on the left."

I stand up, my legs surprisingly strong after so long in bed. The dizziness is gone. I follow Tree Hugger to the door.

"Wait until I make some noise," she repeats. Looking at me, she suddenly leans forward in the chair and pulls me into a hug. "Live a long and beautiful life, Heart Wood."

I'm surprised by the embrace, but quickly ease into it. "Thank you, Tree Hugger."

She pulls away, then rolls out of the room. Heading to the right she quickly gains speed and swings in a wide turn into another hall. "Can't catch me!" she shouts as loud as she can. I hear metal clanging on the walls and her continued shouting as other ponies yell and chase after.

I hurry down to the left, looking over my shoulder. I just pass by the first hallway on the right on my way to the exit when I hear a familiar voice. "Heart Wood?" I spin around, looking Nurse Sweetheart in the eyes. "Why are you out of your room?"

"I choose to live," I say, not breaking eye contact.

Sweetheart looks at me for what feels like minutes, but must be only heartbeats. From behind her I hear hoofsteps and a stallion calling, "Have you seen her, nurse? She lost us two halls over."

She doesn't look away. "She's not down here," she calls over her shoulder. "I think she went into the east wing. You double back and I'll go this way to cut her off."

"Got it," says the stallion and his hoofsteps hurry away.

"Thank you," I whisper.

She smiles. "It's my pleasure, Heart Wood. Now go and live."

Nodding once, I turn and run to the exit.

I gallop through the moonlit night, quickly leaving the hospital behind. I don't hear any sound of pursuit, but a sense of urgency keeps me running through the town. I look everywhere for the path back to the forest and the swamp alongside it.

Hurry, Heart. You're running out of time.

"I'm coming!" I answer between breaths. "Where are you?"

Follow our path, Heart. Come back to the light.

I look up, seeing a bright beam of light stretching to the sky beyond the forest. I turn towards it and a softer glowing thread weaves between the buildings. I find myself smiling. "Thank you! I'm coming home!"

I race past the outskirts of Ponyville, ignoring the few ponies still outside. One runs after me, calling for me to stop, but I follow the glowing path without even acknowledging them. They stop at the edge of town, and I race into the Everfree Forest alone.

Please hurry. We have a place for you.

"I'll be there!" I shout as I navigate the forest. I can feel more branches sprouting from my back. Bandages catch on brambles and rip away, leaving me in only my skin and leaves.

The forest grows so dense that I can't see the beacon any longer. Only the thin ribbon of light guides my way around the thick tree trunks. The voices urge me on and I pant with exertion, running as fast as I can in such tight spaces.

I burst into a clearing and see the light once more, so tantalizingly close. A loud and mournful howl sounds right in front of me and I skid to a stop. More howls sound behind me to either side as a large wooden creature prowls out from between the trees, with another right behind.

"Timberwolves," I whisper, backpedaling away. I hear a rustling behind me and stop, looking to see two more approaching, cutting off my escape. "No! I'm so close!" I whine and press my eyes shut against the end.

I hear growling all around. There's the sound of twigs snapping and I smell the wolf's rancid breath. A whimper rises in my throat. I hear two deep sniffs, it's breath hot on my cheek. The growling stops.

Nothing happens.

I let my eyes creep open slowly and quickly look around. The timberwolves sit around me, casually watching as I stand. Another wolf steps out of the underbrush and walks slowly towards me I hold my breath. It lays down in front of me, rolling over with its belly up and leaning on my legs. It whines and wags its tail.

Slowly I reach out and rub my hoof against its wooden hide. The wolf gives a satisfied yalp, one leg quivering. A thought suddenly strikes me. "They think I'm made of wood, like them," I whisper.

Heart Wood, where are you?

I look up at the glowing thread waiting for me. Slowly I stop rubbing the timberwolf's belly, and it rolls on its side, leaving my legs free. I take a few cautious steps. They make no move to follow.

Hurry, Heart Wood!

I let out the breath I'm holding. "I'm almost there!" I call and sprint after the ribbon leading the way. Behind me the wolves lift their heads and howl as one.

Moments later I break free of the treeline onto a trail, the swamp directly ahead. A smile breaks over my lips and I run straight for it. "I see you," I gasp, nearly out of breath. "Just a short run."

Heart Wood, time is almost gone. Please, come to us

I feel my legs beginning to cramp. "No," I pant, grimacing, trying to push through the pain. "I'm almost home."

I manage to stay at a trot across an empty meadow, stretching each leg to ease the cramps. It doesn't work and the cramps grow worse. The beacon from the swamp glows tantalizingly close. I can see the flowers on the closest trees, pale in the silver moonlight.

I trot a few more steps and one of my hind legs catches on something. I stumble to my knees. Pushing myself up I try to continue but the leg remains stuck. I look back to see what I'm caught on.

Roots push out from my hoof, digging into the dirt. My lower legs are all covered in bark.

"No!" I scream. Gritting my teeth I pull as hard as I can against the roots, eyes fixed on the waiting trees. The pain floods my senses when the roots pull free, half of them ripping off into the soil. I take another step, another hoof getting stuck. "Almost… there…" I growl, ripping a hoof free on every step forward.

We see you, Heart. Come home. You can make it.

The pain grows step by step. My legs stiffen and it gets harder and harder to break free of my roots. Tears stream over my face, blurring my vision. "Please!" I cry out, each word punctuating an agonizing step forward. "Let. Me. Get. Home!"

I put a forehoof down to drag myself toward my goal, and it won't pull up again no matter how hard I try. "No!" I yell, trying to gain leverage. Another hoof grips into the ground, and another. "Please, no!" I cry, violently shaking my head. My legs grow completely stiff, the bark reaching my flanks.

Ahead of me the light grows dim, the beacon fading away.

We're so sorry, Heart. You're out of time.

I throw my head back, screaming to the moon. In the distance I hear the timberwolves answering in a chorus of howls, mourning my fate. Tears stream over my cheeks and neck and I feel my barrel stiffening.

We will never forget you.

My neck won't move. "Don't leave me alone!" I cry as the bark closes over my eyes and mouth.

I can still see, somehow. The pain is gone. All over I feel myself twisting and sprouting. Roots dig deep in the ground as my legs fuse together into a thick trunk. Branch after branch grows to the sky, sprouting leaves and flower buds along their length. A feeling of bittersweet satisfaction spreads through me and I sigh. A soft whinny echoes over the meadow.

A few hours later the sun lifts over the horizon. Warmth washes over my leaves and trunk. I am content.

Nine Months Later

Three fillies run through the meadow, laughing and chasing one another. One, a pink unicorn, is about to tag her friend when the lavender pegasus spreads her wings and leaps into the sky

"Hey! No fair!" cries the unicorn, still laughing. Her horn glows blue and she tugs the pegasus toward the ground.

The mint-green earth pony bumps her flank into the unicorn, breaking her concentration. "Magic isn't fair, either," she chides.

The pegasus swoops in and tackles both of them, all three laughing and wrestling together. The earth pony rises first, wiping sweat from her brow. "It sure is hot today."

The others stand, nodding and speaking their agreement. The unicorn points at the lone tree in the meadow. "It looks cool under there," she says. At a nod from her friends, they all take off racing to the tree.

I see them coming closer, joy flooding through me from roots to leaves. They are so happy.

The trio tumbles down against my trunk, laughing. The pegasus catches her breath. "Do you think my parents will let me stay up late with you both tonight?"

"Of course!" says the earth pony, leaning back against me. "I mean, they brought us all this way to Ponyville just for tonight."

"Yeah, they have to let you stay up," the unicorn adds. She points to the bright sun overhead. "Tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, and Princess Celestia is coming to raise the sun right here! There's no way they would let you miss that."

The pegasus smiles and lays back. "Yeah, you're right. I was just worried over nothing."

The three start chatting about what they think it will be like tomorrow morning. I listen to them, bittersweet feelings filling my heart. They are such good friends. I miss having friends close by. A thought occurs to me and my branches sway as if a gust of wind caught them.

I know. I'll give them flowers.