Why did I pry, just when she was opening up to me?
I let some time pass, as that always helps folks to relax and forget. Then, as we neared the turnoff for the schoolhouse, I decided the time was right.
“Nels, I thought about what you asked last night. About the trees talking to you. I think I did hear something unusual. I didn’t recognize it, but it was musical, pulling me in to listen harder. Was that what you heard?”
“Miss Della, I don’t know. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who can hear them. I think I’m cursed or something. My papa could hear the trees, that I know. But why would I hear them? What good could come from it? Thanks for talking to me, but this is something I have to figure out for myself.”
As Nels rolled the cart farther and farther down the path, I cursed myself for
