The Colors of Autumn

On a tall maple tree, standing in the middle of the forest, lived a little green leaf named Liv. All summer, he had basked in the sunlight, gazing at the forest around him and enjoying the warmth and light. But one day, he noticed that the air was getting cooler and the days shorter. Liv began to see that his green color was gradually changing, turning yellow. This frightened him a little, and he decided to find out what was happening.

Liv turned to the old, wise oak tree nearby. “Why am I changing color, and why has it gotten so cold?” asked Liv. The oak, who had watched the changing seasons year after year, replied softly, “Autumn is coming, Liv. Every year, as summer ends, the leaves prepare for winter. Your yellow color is a sign that you will soon leave your tree and go on a little journey.”

Liv listened in wonder to the oak’s words. He felt a bit sad, as he was used to his tree and didn’t want to leave it. “But why do we have to fall?” Liv continued to ask. The oak smiled gently and explained, “When leaves fall from the tree, it can rest and gather strength for winter. Your journey down is part of the life of the tree and nature itself. You will become part of the soil, and in the spring, new leaves will grow where you once were.”

Liv thought about this. He had always believed he would stay on the tree forever, but now he understood that his little fall was not an end, but a part of a great cycle. Every leaf before him had gone through this, and every new leaf would continue the same purpose.

After a few days, Liv turned completely yellow, like a little ray of sunlight. One autumn day, as a gentle breeze blew, he felt ready. “Goodbye, my tree,” Liv whispered, and a soft wind caught him, carrying him down. He twirled through the air, looking at the ground and enjoying his first and last flight.

When Liv landed on the ground, he realized he would now become part of the forest floor, and that his life on the tree had helped a new season begin. He felt at peace, knowing that in the spring, his tree would turn green again, and new leaves would take their place, continuing the wonderful cycle of nature.

Thus, Liv understood that his yellow color and goodbye to the tree were part of a great natural cycle. Now he was ready for his new role, helping the tree and forest grow stronger as they awaited the spring.