Magnolia Tree

It was another toss and turn night. One of many. Upon waking the images go through his head. Remembering the stark sky and the dead branches with a couple of crows flying up above. “Jack!!! Jock!”His name kept repeating. A voice never heard before “Come this way!” Stepping over gnarled branches the trunk turned on its side in the last hurrah of death. Something gleams in the dirt. Getting down on hands and knees he begins to dig around the object. Alarm ringing and then wake up. The same question again. What’s the treasure under the tree?

Getting ready to go be the worker bee he grab his keys. Starts driving and spaces out. Missing the usual street to turn he takes a side road. The country road is bumpy. In an abandoned field he sees something familiar and slams on the brakes. At first it doesn’t seem real. Blinking several times he looks again. There is the carcass of the magnolia tree. Hearing crows caw he gets out of the car. Stepping over the brush and broken fences you walk cautiously towards the tree. It’s the same walk you have taken over and over in sleep.

The trunk is visibly larger than what you dreamed. A big hole formed at the end of the trunk where it used to stand. There it was the shine. He can feel his heart in his throat and the blood pounding in his head. Reaching down he starts digging with hurried hands. A box was appearing in the dirt with a metal clasp. Aww! The clasp was the gleam! Digging further you unearth the wooden box. It had some carving on top with a swirling design.

You open the box. On top is a small black notebook with the name Jack. Hands shaking he opens and It reads on the first page:

Dear Jack,

I’m so glad you got my message. It’s been many years. We once stood many times under the magnolia tree. Remember when you covered me in the many blooms? The scent of magnolia is how you make me feel. Remember the stars looking so bright when we met here in the moonlight? Your skin with an alabaster glow from the full moon.

The days were always good with you. I wish you didn’t go to that awful war. When you left your face was smiling. You said, “don’t worry I will be back and we will dance under the magnolia tree.” Your eyes were twinkling. My heart went heavy and I hugged you hard. I put all my love inside of you. I stayed until your train couldn’t be seen

I didn’t see you again. All I had were visions of your body laying on the top of many.

My love this book is for you. It has everything you need. You won’t have to go to wars or be insulted by lowly men. Look at the bottom of the box. There is a key. Read the instructions after my note. You will need to travel. There are several directions you can go first. Whichever one you choose will bring you wealth. Remember I will find you. Just be reassured that the path you choose will lead to me.

You are my one and only true love,

Helene

Sure enough there is the key. Coordinates in the black notebook give the locations. With a smile Jack walks back to the car. Opens the door and begins his journey.