In this place, there once stood a great tree that had watched over everyone for hundreds of years.
　One day, the tree was cut down, and it seemed as though its life had come to an end.
But after a long winter, when the snow had melted and the warm light of spring began to shine, a small sprout appeared beside the old stump.
It was as if the tree’s deep and distant memories had taken form and breathed new life once more.
　The people were astonished, and then quietly rejoiced.“You’re still alive,” they said softly to the little sprout.
　As the seasons passed, the sprout grew little by little, spreading its branches wide.
Once again, the forest became a place where small animals, birds, and people gathered to rest.