The Tree Outside Audrey's Window

 It was mid-summer when Audrey was hospitalized. She was a cheerful, adventurous and fun-loving ten-year-old with glossy blonde hair put up in two pigtails. She thought her new room was ‘suffocating and boring’ except for the bright window. Outside stood a tall tree, with delicate flowers adorning its leafy green hair. 

     ‘Hello tree!’ she gleamed, ‘We’re going to be the best of friends!’ 

In reply, the leaves rustled in the breeze. She giggled but soon after started coughing and stumbled behind. 

‘Mum said I’m not feeling well and that’s why I’m here.’ she said after her fits of coughing came to an end, ‘I want to get out of this unlively old place.’ 


Days passed and Audrey got accustomed to chatting with the tree. 

‘I want to go to a place where clouds are made of cotton candy, a chocolate river flows and trees dance and sing bearing fruits and treats!’ she would say enthusiastically. 


Months passed and autumn came about. The tree lost all its leaves and stood there bare and upset. Audrey sat on the chair near the window, distraught. 

‘Chemo has been really hard on me...’ she sobbed, ‘I lost all my hair...’


Towards the end of November, Audrey looked paler and sicker yet her vibrant nature didn’t seem to die. 

‘I’m so excited!!’ she squealed, but soon started coughing. She wiped a tear the came from all the coughing and continued, ‘Mum and dad are going to take me to the Glow Girls concert tonight!! It’s been my dream! I love them!!’


Audrey returned, tired but the excitement didn’t seem to vanish. She was adorned with glow sticks and looked very stylish indeed, ‘I got a wig, the same colour as Emi’s, my favourite member of the Glow Girls! AND I got their autographs and they hugged me! We took loads of pictures! Dad even got me an Emi doll! Best. Day. EVER!’ 

She paused for a bit, as if considering something and continued, ‘But mum and dad looked like they were on the verge of crying… I gave them a big hug and promised I’ll get better soon! They are the best parents ever! I love them so much!’ 


Time passed on, and soon it was mid-winter. There was a heavy snowstorm that night. 

The tree stood on strong and brave, withstanding the fierce winds that blew. The tree caught amidst the storm swayed violently but didn’t fall. It resisted every blow and faced the storm boldly. 

However, it was a losing game. 

Unable to stand it anymore, it fell taking in its last breath. 

And so did Audrey that night. The grip on her Emi doll loosened, but a faint smile remained etched on her pale face. 

She is in a better place now. A place where clouds are made of cotton candy, a chocolate river flows and trees dance and sing bearing fruit and treats. 


- Starlette





© 2025 Starlette. All Rights Reserved. 

Rights to Author. No content in any form shall be reused.

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