The lone tree stood above the grass. It rose, higher than the shrubbery around it, seemingly higher than even the mountains in the distance. Majestic, proud, it was crowned with thousands of leaves, gently blowing in the wind.

The wind got stronger, picking up in power and fury. It lashed at the tree, blowing off some of the leaves. Rain poured down onto the leaves, weighing them down until the weight snapped them off. Lightning struck the ground, each bolt approaching closer to the tree, it’s once mighty bulk seemingly stripped down to a shriveled husk.

The storm raged on, battering the tree with the full lash of its fury. Gradually, the storm abated, leaving the tree a pitiful shadow of it’s past glory. Sap dripped down from wounded branches, like a giant crying for its children.

But it would survive, to live another day...

-Tchernobyl