The Faerie Tree Read Online Free

was birdsong above us in the branches.
    The track snaked away from the water and half way up adusty incline I stopped. “Do you believe in fairies?” I asked.
    â€œFairies?”
    â€œFairies, elves, pixies… the wee small folk of the woods.”
    Izzie was laughing as she replied. “I try to keep an open mind – but you’re a scientist – don’t tell me you do.”
    â€œThese ones convinced me. They write letters.”
    â€œWhat on earth do you mean?”
    â€œCome on – I’ll show you.” I took her hand. “Now close your eyes and don’t open them until I say.”
    I led her forwards, savouring the coolness of her skin as I helped her to navigate the tree roots crossing the path. The Hamble, less than fifty yards away down a steep bank to our right, was completely invisible.
    When we were in front of the Faerie Tree I stopped. “You can open your eyes now,” I told her and prepared to drop her hand, but much to my delight her fingers stayed wrapped in mine.
    â€œOh Robin,” she breathed, “it’s magical.”
    I tried to remember the first time I’d been here and to see the tree through Izzie’s eyes. The oak stood on a rise just above the path; not too tall or wide but graceful and straight, its trunk covered in what I can only describe as offerings – pieces of ribbon, daisy chains, a shell necklace, a tiny doll or two and even an old cuckoo clock.
    â€œWhy do people do this?” Izzie asked.
    I winked at her. “To say thank you to the fairies.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor making their wishes come true, I guess. Look – I’ll show you.”
    On the right hand side of the tree trunk was an old wooden box in the shape of a Swiss chalet, filled with folded pieces of paper. I took out the top one and handed it to Izzie. She read it aloud.
    â€œDear fairies, thank you very much for looking after the woods because the trees are all things bright and beautiful like we sing at assembly. If I can have a wish please can it be to have a proper family? Lots of love, Amelia.”
    â€œOh, Robin – that’s so lovely but so sad.” There were tears in her eyes and I wished whole-heartedly that the child had had a less distressing request. To distract Izzie I led her around the back of the tree.
    â€œThe amazing thing is – the fairies reply.” And I showed her a plastic folder tacked to the trunk, full of letters from the fairies to the children.
    Her chest heaved as she tried to stifle a sob.
    â€œIzzie – Izzie – what is it?” I hugged her to me and after a few moments she sniffed and looked up.
    â€œI’m sorry, Robin. I don’t want to spoil today – I’ll be fine in a moment.” But her voice was cracking again and I couldn’t help but touch her cheek. She tilted her face towards me and then we were kissing and I could taste salt and the inside of her mouth at the same time.
    After a little while she pulled away. “That shouldn’t have happened – not now in any case.”
    â€œPaul?”
    She looked down at her right plimsoll, which seemed to be making circles in the dust of its own accord. “He thinks I’m at the rowing club. I never lied to him before I met you, but… but I just wanted to see you. Robin – I’m in such a mess.”
    The roof of my mouth went dry. “It’s OK, Izzie. Take your time to decide what’s right for you to do about Paul. I’ll wait.”
    She grabbed my hands again. “It won’t be long, I promise. I’ll use the holiday to…” But her voice was cut off by a yell for help from the river. We stood for a moment, listening – it was a child – just kids larking about? But no – it came again and it sounded like genuine distress.
    â€œFollow me,” I called to Izzie and started to run along the path.
    It wasn’t a quick