Steps echoed in the narrow cobblestoned streets, bouncing off the dozing walls and into the cool night overcast. Each step he threw away, rushing quickly to the sole place he knew solace could be found.
Each forsaken step the moon collected, following her desperate lover, pleading for him to stop.
Do not be sad.
“Go away!”

Each abandoned step led them to the heart of the small town of Zhandm, farthest away from the tragedies his heart could not bear, farthest from the place he could no longer call his home,.
“You killed her!”
You still have me.

The ancient Sleeping Tree appeared, but he could not reach it. She grabbed him and pulled him closer, and pressed his lips into hers.
Do not be sad. You still have me, she whispers.

The tree did not wake for him that night.