Finding Osce Oak - Part 2

"Shira" Osce began, "I was just talking to Ramu about what she thinks I'm like, about who I am, and she was very sweet. But I'm sure she wouldn't have thought I was so special if she had left her nest, and seen other trees and places like you have. You've seen so much more of the world than Ramu and I have, would you tell me what you think of me, of who I am?".

Shira saw his frozen expression, nervously awaiting her appraisal and she longed to put him at ease. “Osce” she said warmly, smiling her best smile, “you’re a very important tree. I wouldn’t build my nest just anywhere. And you were where I chose. And I’ll tell you why, you’ve got roots deeper than your years and a soft heart too. You’re a very special tree to me as you hold Ramu, the most precious thing I’ve ever seen.”

Unaware that he had been holding his breath, Osce let out a deep sigh. So it wasn’t only Ramu who thought he was special. And Shira had seen many other trees and far off places, and yet she still saw something different in him. Osce was glad that he had asked Ramu, and glad that he had asked Shira. Now he knew he was different and so very special.

Later that day a squirrel climbed up Osce and was running along one of his branches when Osce said "Excuse me". The squirrel paused and began looking around to find out where the little voice had come from. “Excuse me”, Osce said a little louder than before. Realising it was the tree, the squirrel looked disappointed, "yes?" it snapped. Osce suddenly felt very small and began to hesitate, the squirrel was becoming impatient, "Well, what do you want? Come on spit it out".

"Sorry to disturb you," Osce said, "and I know this might sound a little silly, but I was wondering if you could tell me who I am. To you I mean. I'm trying to find out who I am and was hoping you could help me".

The squirrel, stood at his full height and moved his head to one side, as if taking in Osce for the first time. "You think I can tell you who you are?" The squirrel asked in amazement. "I have no idea who you are. I was nearby and climbed you like I would any tree. You are a tree. That is who you are". The squirrel laughed to himself, adding "did you really think I could tell you anything more than that? Asking me who you are, what a silly thing indeed! Ha!" And with that the squirrel scurried away.

Osce felt very silly. How stupid of him to think the squirrel would know anything about him or see him as special. He was just like every other tree and to suppose otherwise was so surprising, it had even made the squirrel laugh.

It was as though winter had come early as a coldness went through Osce from his leaves to his roots. He felt more confused about who he was than ever before. He didn't think Ramu, Shira, or the squirrel had been lying in their answers, but they had each painted a different picture of Osce. He just wanted the answer to his question, who was he? It hadn't seemed too complicated when he had first asked that question, but now the chances of finding an answer he believed seemed far away.