Julian leaned toward the window and suddenly pointed toward the horizon.
"Wife, look… that tree over there," he whispered, tapping the glass with wide eyes.
In the distance stood a tall tree with fiery orange leaves, glowing faintly in the sunlight like it was set aflame. Its branches swayed gently with the wind, and it stood alone at the edge of the cliff, vibrant and full of life.
"It's so beautiful," he said, his voice filled with awe. "Why does our village only have bald trees?"
Ruby laughed softly, brushing his arm. "Because our village is filled with lazy ghosts like you who never water anything," she teased.
Julian blinked, then smiled sheepishly as the others in the lift chuckled quietly at their banter.
The Liftway continued its steady climb, the soft wind brushing against the windows, carrying with it the scent of plant and sacred smoke. And though the sun was warm, Ruby suddenly felt light, like they were floating through a dream world.
