Broken

A broken down house covered in gold asked the brittle tree why it’s alone. The tree has never learned to not be. There were no others around. The tree answers, “I’m not alone, I’ve got the birds who loves my branches and squirrels who keeps me company.” The house watches the tree wither little by little as small critters takes it apart. “They’re killing you.” “No, I’m dead already. The fact that I’m still useful is what keeps me alive.” A strong gust of wind blew away the tree’s last leaf. The gold plates surrounding the house drops to the ground revealing wood underneath.