IT WAS TOO LATE

The wind fluttered the hem of her dress, as Zuri and Chaos walked toward the tree. She could see how the tree had started to wither. It was dying, even the dry leaves on the ground started to turn yellow.

"What happened to you?" Zuri asked, as she hastened her steps and then rapped her knuckles gently against its bark.

Meanwhile, Chaos followed behind her, but he didn't show any interest in the tree. His expression was devoid of any emotions at the sight of the dying old tree.

"You were not like this the last time I was here." Zuri furrowed her brows when finally the old face came to the surface before its eyes fixed on her.

"Everything comes to an end, girl, that's the circle of life," the tree said, as he snickered at her. "I think this is my time."

However, before Zuri could say anything, she caught a glimpse of black butterfly fluttering its wings, as the little creature flew from one branch to the other.