Fierce winds left it twisted and broken.

Then, squirrels came to clean its wounds.

By day, brightly colored songbirds flocked to sing it gentle songs of encouragement; by night, owls cradled it with loving wings.

As life slowly sprouted from its healing wounds, the forest creatures danced in joyful celebration.

This is Monica’s first 50-word story. At 82, she has spent her life writing medical materials; however, she has a secret passion for the word cleverly written.