Skylah's Tree House

Posted on Mon Oct 17th, 2022 @ 8:52am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Arboretum
Timeline: Current
726 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Captain Gary Taylor had been in the arboretum when he had seen the small girl climb the tree like it was nothing. He had seen her smile from his vantage point, and he knew she was letting her imagination run wild. He could relate, He had done a fair amount of dreaming as a child and even now as an adult he would find himself engaged in some dream that involved Lia and himself.

He knew what she needed, what every child needed..... a treehouse. He thought on it and decided it wouldn't be too hard to build one he had the skills. Hell, he could look it up in the ship's library, if need be, how hard could a treehouse be? He would have the wood and nails and other supplies beamed in and have the arboretum declared closed for the time it took him to build it. He wouldn't tell Lia or anyone about it. Lia was dealing with being security chief and the problems it entailed. He just needed the right time to complete his project.

*Two weeks later*

Gary was in the arboretum; it was late. He had put the security cameras on a time loop of the area from recordings he had taken previously. They would show the area as clear. He smiled it was time to get to work. He worked steadily and unhurriedly as he built the treehouse. He had learned the girl he had seen earlier was named Skylah and so the treehouse would be named Skylah's Treehouse in her honor, but it would be for all children.

*Hours Later*

Gary heaved a weary sigh; the treehouse was finished. Above its entrance hung a sign that said Skylah's Treehouse. He hoped the child liked her treehouse as it was a labor of love and he had to admit, it was a fine-looking treehouse. It was sturdy and would handle any abuse a group of children could dish out. He had found himself wishing someone had done something like that for him, but no one ever had. Not that he was unloved, not at all but his parents had a ranch to run and being an only child, he was left on his own more often than not. It had made him dependent on no one but himself and his abilities. Only until he had met Lia had that changed. Her kindness and just outright goodness had softened him to where he was more comfortable in letting his emotions out at least to Lia.

Before he climbed down, he cleaned the place up of any debris he may have left, then he had written a note to the little girl and tacked it to the wall for her to find and read. Nothing fancy just a note about her new treehouse. It read.

"Dear Skylah, you don't me, but I know what all children both boys and girls want and that is a treehouse. A treehouse where you and your friends can hang out and have fun and let your imaginations run wild. A place away from adults and their rules. A place you can call your own. Even though the treehouse is named for you, it is for all children to use and enjoy. Let this be your happy place. Don't ever forget that. I hope you and your friends enjoy the treehouse for a long, long time."

Your friend SC."

As he left, he had the computer play the Treehouse Song by Alex G and Emily Yacina. He had changed the lyrics slightly.

"Skylah's Treehouse" is written on the doorway
Why can't everyone just come in and play?
You all can stay
What do you think of my treehouse?
It's where I sit and talk really loud
Usually, I'm all by myself
I'm the captain, but you all can be the deputies
I'm really glad you think I'm so funny
I don't think I'm ever gonna let you all leave
"Skylah's Treehouse" is written on the doorway
Why can't everyone just come in and play?
You all can stay
What do you think of my treehouse?
It's where I sit and talk really loud
Usually, I'm all by myself
I'm the captain, but you all can be the deputies
I'm really glad you think I'm so funny
I don't think I'm ever gonna let you all leave