AN: This is a project I did for school. I needed to figure out how to use this website, and this was the only story I had available that I have the courage to put up.

Bryce

I don't know how long I've been sitting here, just waiting to see what happens. A little while ago, Juli waved at me, so I hope she doesn't hate me anymore. At first I was sure that I had done the right thing, but now, I am doubting myself.

After my conversation with my grandfather, I had mulled things over, searching for the perfect solution to my dilemma. Remembering the article, a lightbulb went off in my head. A tree. Not just any tree, a sycamore tree.

As soon as I had had my epiphany, I burst out of my front door, marathoning five blocks all the way to the local home and garden store. Desperately, I scanned the aisles of greenery for what I was looking for. I let out a sigh in relief when I spotted it - a healthy, sturdy little sycamore.

The cashier must have looked bewildered, but I wasn't paying any attention as I handed over the money I has miraculously remembered to grab before journeying to the store. I stumbled home, practically sleepwalking as I was granted permission to plant the tree. offered to help, but I shot him down, saying I needed to do it myself. I dug a hole, placed the tree in it, and covered it back up. Though it didn't looked like much, I knew that someday, it would be as big as the one that once stood on the top of the hill.

As I sit here, weighing the pros and cons of my actions, I feel free, as if a great burden has been lifted from my soul. Even if Juli never speaks to me again, I know that I did the right thing.

After what feels like days, but I know is a few hours, the unimaginable happens. I hear the doorbell ring. I leap up, dash to the door, and fling it open.

Standing on my front porch is Juli Baker.

"Hi," she greets softly, trying and failing to make eye contact. She seems nervous, but her stance isn't wavering.

"Hello," I breathe, awestruck at the sight at of Juli. It seems surreal, like am hallucinating. It's as if I am falling and flying at the same time.

"I just wanted to thank you," Juli begins, finally looking me in the eyes. "You know, for the tree."

I nod, speechless. Questions start darting through my head like minnows in a stream. Has she forgiven me, or is she just being polite? Should I ask her?

Juli sighs, dropping her gaze again. "I also thought that you might like to talk. Really, actually talk."

I freeze, staring at the elusive girl. Has she been reading my mind? I decide to take this opportunity by the horns. "I'd love to."

We both sit down on our respective porch chairs. Juli break the uncomfortable silence by asking, "What do you want to talk about?"

I immediately reply, "Could you tell me about perpetual motion?"