Skipper, Toby, and Grandmother Tree.

This Action Project was for unit 2 of my Stories class. For this unit, we focused on fables and the morals/life lessons they teach you, and about reaching beyond the literal meaning of a story, and creating a deeper, more figurative one. We also focused on how the lessons that we learn as children, prove to be important for life beyond childhood as well. For this project, we were supposed to create our own fables with lessons that connected to the story, are beneficial to real life, and contain a deeper meaning. For my story, I chose to write about appreciating what you have and making the most of things, because you never know how much time you have left. I was inspired because of how my dad always tells me that he wishes he spent more time with his grandmother. This also sparked my inspiration from my own grandparents because of how they are close to ninety years old, and I want to spend as much time with them as I can.

Skipper, Toby, and Grandmother Tree

Once upon a time, in a mystical forest, there was a wise old tree, named Grandmother Tree. She was known for reading the creatures’ futures and for her miraculous ability to do magic. Among the creatures in the forest, were her two favorites, the Tortoise and the Hare. The tortoise was named, Toby and the hare was named, Skipper. Not too long ago, Grandmother Tree made Skipper and Toby friendship bracelets, which symbolized their immense friendship. They were two peas-in-a-pod and they were very connected to their bracelets. One day, the two paid an unexpected visit to Grandmother Tree. She was quite surprised but happy to see them.
“Why hello, how are you my little ones?”
“Hello Grandmother Tree, we’re well. We wanted you to give us a reading,” Toby explained. “Alright, sit here,” said Grandmother Tree, pointing to a spot in front of her.

 The two sat down, awaiting their reading of the future. Grandmother Tree took both of their hands and closed her eyes. At first, she saw nothing. She waited, and as she looked deeper, an image appeared at a distance. It was like a car going through a long, dark tunnel, trying to reach the light on the other side. As it slowly approached, her anticipation grew larger. Then, all at once, there was something. A vision!

 The vision started with a single oak tree that seemed quite abnormal, in a dark and eerie setting. The tree was bent to its left, moping with sorrow-filled years gone by. Its branches were prickly and bare, for all the leaves had vanished. Then, two little animals that resembled Skipper and Toby appeared in a trance, while a dark figure lingered behind them. The dark figure started talking in a low, raspy voice as it said, “In eight days time, there will be an outbreak of sickness and all of the creatures of the forest will recover, but one.” It took a short pause before continuing, “The one that shall die is among the two friends. The one that is slow and weak shall pass, and the one that is swift and wise shall survive.”

 The figure disappeared suddenly, causing Grandmother Tree to jump out of her dream-like state. When she awoke, she was distressed because one of her little favorites would soon die. Toby and Skipper were confused by the look on her face and asked her what was wrong. Naturally, she was reluctant to share, but they kept pressing her. With a long, sad sigh, she began to speak. “It started with an eerie image of a tree and you two appeared, followed by the Shadow of Death.” She was hesitant to say the rest but continued. “The dark figure turned and said that in eight days time, the slowest and weakest among you would die.”
She ended with a tear in her eye, explaining that it was meant to be. The two turned towards each other and all they could do was cry. While sniffling, Toby managed to speak, “Since it’s obviously me, then I will continue living out my days to the fullest!”

 For the next week, Skipper wanted to be there for Toby, but Skipper avoided Toby at all costs because Skipper didn’t want to face what was about to happen. He spent his days laying in the sun and doing anything to keep his mind clear of sorrow.

 The night before the eight days were up, Skipper and Toby waited anxiously with Grandmother Tree. When they heard the village’s alarm sound that sickness had struck, they tried their best to go to sleep. The next morning, Toby awoke, still holding hands with Skipper, as they lie on the hard, cold ground. He sat up and looked around and was very confused because he felt oddly healthy. He glanced over at Skipper and noticed his friendship bracelet had come apart and was decayed. He started nudging at Skipper many times but he wouldn’t wake up. He sat there for a moment, tears swelling in his eyes, and turned to Grandmother Tree for reassurance. She slowly shook her head and said, “He’s gone Toby, Skipper is dead.”
Toby shook his head in disbelief.
“No, it can’t be, I’m the one that was supposed to die!”
Grandmother Tree said softly, “No Toby, it wasn’t about how fast you were in speed and size, it was how quickly you could apply the lesson to spend ALL your days to their fullest. It’s the wise and purest ones who spend every day as if it’s their last!”

Here is my drawing of Grandmother Tree, Skipper, and Toby:

MEM. Grandmother Tree, Skipper, and Toby Photo. 2019.