The Angel Tree

By Miles Wright

Joshua Sharpe is being terrorized by a giant tree creature with snake-like limbs capable of snatching stars right out of the night sky and yet no one in his family believes him. Almost every night the enormous monster comes right up to his window, shakes the house, and tries to grab him from under the covers where he hides sweating and shaking from absolute terror. His only comforts are his invisible friends who warn him when the creature is enraged, tell him where to hide and whom to trust. If it were not for his friends, Joshua would be all alone. And so he does everything he can to keep them around—including throwing his medication out the window.

But Josh’s condition worsens and when his friends suggest he jump from his window, he is hospitalized. There he meets another boy with schizophrenia, and he and Michael become fast friends, both determined to escape and make a life for themselves. He and Michael learn to survive outside on their own without medication, discovering the meaning of true friendship and the unexpected truth that there is only one place where they will be truly safe—the Angel Tree.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eTreasures Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Jun 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781937809898

Book preview

Chapter 1

Joshua watched with awe-filled dread as darkness swallowed up the last remnants of dusk like an enormous black serpent slowly wrapping itself around its prey. Then, before his very eyes, the great oak at the bottom of the garden was once again transformed into a dark and insidious creature, with writhing and twisted arms reaching all the way up to the heavens. He looked on with fearful wonderment as its long tendril-like arms reached ever higher into the velvety night sky. Then, with one last enormous effort, it snatched away the largest and brightest of the evening stars for itself, just like it had done with another the night before.

Suddenly there was a powerful gust of wind, which immediately sent the terrible tree-creature into frenzy. Joshua looked on with horror as its snakelike roots began slowly uprooting themselves from the ground. Much to his bewilderment, the insidious giant pulled free from the soil that had held it in place for more than a century and began lumbering up through the garden towards his hiding place in the second floor bedroom. He hurriedly ducked his head beneath the sheets and lay cowering in the darkness, hoping with all his might that the terrible creature had not spotted him spying from his bedside window.

The house quaked violently as the awful tree-creature took hold and began shaking it like a toy. Joshua curled up into a ball and waited for the end to come. He thought about calling out to his older sister, Gabrielle, but was terrified that if he made even the slightest sound he’d be snatched up and taken away to the unknown.

After what felt like an eternity, he gathered the courage to lift his head from beneath the sheets. As if by magic the monstrous tree-creature had retreated to the bottom of the garden and taken on the familiar form of a great oak, now resplendent in the silvery light of the rising moon. He said a little prayer and thanked the angels for chasing the rampant monster back to its rightful place. The hooting of his friend Owl confirmed that all was well again in his world, and it now was safe to go to sleep.

***

Joshua awoke with a start to the new day and the warmth of the morning sun on his bed. Memories of the night's terrifying ordeal flashed through his mind as he surveyed the outside world through bleary, inquisitive eyes. The menacing oak was still in place and Joshua wondered if it was just as exhausted as he felt. On the farthest hillside he could see the whitewashed boards of the neighbour's farmhouse in amongst the trees. The usual herd of black and white cows grazed in the adjoining field. He counted them, noticed a few were missing, and guessed the tree monster had taken its fill of them. Somewhere beyond the hills was a beach. But he had never been. His father wouldn’t allow it. He must be the only person in the whole of Australia that hadn’t been to the beach, he mused.

Just then a thought lazily crept into his head. There was something special about this day, something he couldn’t quite recall. Nor did he want to particularly. He pondered his friends the birds as thoughts floated around in his head with no clear or obvious intentions.

His mother would soon arrive with breakfast as she always did this time of morning. But first she had to make sure Gabrielle was off to school. Joshua was always last, but he didn’t mind waiting, especially since it smelled like she’d made his favourite—bacon and eggs! He listened for the familiar slam of the screen door followed by Gabrielle’s sing-songy see you later. Today, she said something like good luck with the new teacher. It was then he remembered—a new teacher was coming today. That dampened his mood. They never stayed, those teachers, and Joshua had a sneaking suspicion as to why.

***

Joshua was right. It was his favourite breakfast—delivered with a meaningless gesture and forced half smile. He’d wanted to thank his mom, but she left as quickly as she had come, dropping the tray on his bed and venturing back downstairs. He wondered whether he’d done something wrong, then figured perhaps she was cleaning, preparing the house for the arrival of his teacher. She was just too busy to make small talk, he decided. He was always asking then answering his own questions. He was as good at it as his dad was at backgammon.

Joshua turned his attention back to his food and soon the plate was empty. He began sipping warm, sweet tea from his favourite mug emblazoned with the image of a knight warring with an enormous red dragon. He gazed upon the scene with wonderment, a smile crossing his face. One day he too should like to slay dragons—that is if his legs ever healed. He might even try facing the evil tree, if ever he could be as brave.

The antics of his friends the birds caught his eye as they flitted about in the garden. Joshua pushed the empty breakfast tray away and settled back on his pillow to watch, waiting for them to notice him.

Good morning, Josh, the sparrows said.

Good morning, he replied.

Joshua’s mother stood at his door, looking impatient and in need of a rest. He hadn’t heard her climb the stairs.

Is everything all right, Joshua? I thought I heard you talking to someone. She barely looked at him as she flitted about the room like the birds outside, tidying up in more of a hurry than usual.

No, everything’s fine, Mother. Thank you for my breakfast.

Joshua’s mother collected the clothes from his bedroom floor and placed them in the hamper.

You have a new teacher starting today, Joshua. I want you on your best behaviour, okay? she said, annoyance colouring her tone as if he’d already shamed her with his actions.

Yes, Mother, he replied, feeling chastised for something he’d yet to do.

Silence hung between them like clothes on a line in spring.

Have you taken your medicine this morning? She stopped to eye Joshua suspiciously.

Sure did.

Good. Now let’s get you cleaned up and dressed before she arrives, shall we? said Joshua’s mother, making it sound as if all she needed to do was place a stray hair behind his ear and send him on his way. He hated that she had to do pretty much everything for him. How was he supposed to slay that giant tree if he couldn’t even bathe himself?

***

The low drone of a car made its way slowly up the long, winding driveway, waking Joshua from a midmorning snooze. He stiffened, not yet ready to invite this stranger into his world. This was the worst part about not being able to leave the house. His only contact with the outside was through his sister or parents or whomever else they thrust upon him, and most often without his permission. Why they never brought him anyone fun or interesting he’d never understand. He wanted to run but couldn’t. His legs no longer worked. He wanted to hide like he often did from the great oak.

It was too late. She was already in the house and soon would make her way up to his room. He ducked his head beneath the covers and pretended to sleep. Then the sound of loud clunking footsteps up the old wooden staircase that led to his room signalled his eventual defeat. A pause before his creaking door opened and exposed his world. He was as still as a tree.

Well, that's strange, said his mother. He was sitting up not half an hour ago. Joshua! Wake up. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.

Joshua slowly slid up from under the covers and expelled an exaggerated yawn.

Hello, Mother, he said.

This is Mrs. Mondes, Joshua. Your new teacher. His mother shot death-ray stares at him from behind her back. Say good morning, Joshua.

The elderly woman leaned over and touched his hand. Her large, plump hand felt cold, wrinkly, and clammy as it completely enveloped his. He instinctively pulled his away.

The old lady smiled unconvincingly.

Joshua, dear. You can call me Hettie, if you like. Hettie is my first name. I let all the young men call me that. Would you like to? She narrowed her glare and intensified her smile.

I think I'll stick with Mrs. Mondes, Joshua quickly replied. I don't know whether I like you yet. Joshua lowered his eyes but not enough to avoid the looks from his mother.

His mother looked mortified and shot him more death-rays from huge eyeballs.

I’m sorry. Joshua’s mother’s teeth were clenched tight as she stepped forward and turned to Mrs. Mondes. Sometimes he says things without thinking. It’s the medication. She nodded and whispered medication as if it were a secret.

But it's true, Mother! Joshua insisted, though he may have decided he really didn’t like her.

The elderly woman smiled sweetly but Joshua saw an unsettling coldness in her eyes. It took all his willpower not to hide under the covers again. He could hear the crows gathering outside and that was not a good sign.

Mrs. Mondes reached over and gently touched him on the hand.

She turned to Joshua’s mother. If you’ll please excuse us. It sounded more like an order than a request.

Time to begin your first lesson, young man.

Joshua's mother scurried out of the room, taking his breakfast tray with her.

Mrs. Mondes smiled at him yet again, then retrieved a chair from the far side of the room and placed it beside his bed.

Your mother tells me you've spent the best part of the year in this bed, after your accident. It must be very hard for a thirteen year old.

Joshua sat up slowly, his head propped up by his favorite pillow.

What else has mother told you?

Not much—I prefer to learn what I can from you. She hesitated and Joshua took this to mean she was not being truthful.

Joshua sat back on his pillow even more. He figured it was, in fact, Mrs. Mondes who was not being truthful. He could hear the crows getting louder.

Has she told you about my father and how he hardly spends any time with us? Joshua smiled sweetly, then suddenly recoiled in horror at the realization of what he had just said. His teacher made no reply. With every moment that passed, the weight of Joshua's awful words made him shrink ever lower into his bed. He hated that he could hardly control the way his thoughts spewed out of his mouth. It wasn’t what he intended—most times.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Mondes. Sometimes I just say things without thinking. A crow crowed loudly in the distance as if he too had the same problem.

That's all right, Joshua. We all say things we later regret. She straightened the already too straight skirt she wore and continued. Do you have friends, Joshua?

Joshua nodded eagerly and sat forward slightly. He couldn’t wait to tell her about his friends. Maybe she wasn’t so bad after all.

There’s Gabby, my sister. She reads to me a lot—from her God book.

My, you must enjoy having an older sister—she is older, isn’t she? She crossed one old, wrinkly leg over the other and didn’t wait for Joshua to respond. Now tell me, what else would you like to talk about? Do you have a favorite hobby? Your mother tells me you like books—besides the ones your sister reads to you.

But I haven’t finished telling you about my friends. Joshua was excited. He bet she didn’t have as many friends as him.

I’m not going anywhere, Joshua. We can talk about your friends another time. Now, tell me about the books you like. Maybe I can bring you a few from my collection next time we meet. She seemed pleased, like she’d found something in common they could share.

Only the ones with pictures of trees in them.

That’s a curious topic. Why trees?

Joshua stared incredulously at his teacher, then glanced at the great oak at the bottom of the garden.

Do you have a tree like that in your garden? he asked in a half whisper.

No I don't believe I do. Nothing as large or spectacular as your tree, I'm afraid.

She strained her neck, looking past Joshua to see the giant tree through the window.

It's not my tree! Joshua’s face contorted in horror at the thought. What kind of teacher could think such an evil thing? He was nothing like that tree-monster—a devourer of things, a snake-like devil of the night. No, he’d decided. He did not like her one bit.

He pulled the covers up to just below his chin.

Mrs. Mondes appeared startled by his reaction.

C—c-can't you see them? Can't you see…the faces? Joshua asked, voice trembling, eyes fixed on the tree. He concentrated on what he saw as fear clouded his expression.

Faces? said his shocked teacher, backing away from him. He recognized the look. He’d seen it before on the face of his previous teachers. She wouldn’t be back.

Chapter 2

So how did it go with Mrs. Mondes, Joshua? Joshua’s mother appeared with sandwiches and a drink.

Joshua forced a smile. Their encounter had left him exhausted and ashamed. He hated to let his mother down.

I think she should have another name.

Oh I see, and did you talk about anything interesting?

Joshua squirmed in his bed remembering how he’d yelled at the wrinkly woman.

We talked about books and…trees

Books and trees. I’m not paying that woman to come here and talk to you about books and trees. You can do that with Gabby. Are you sure you didn’t talk about anything else? She moved closer and stared into his mischievous baby blue eyes. Have you been taking your tablets, Joshua? His mother seemed especially impatient today, searching one eye and then the other.

When my friends tell me to.

What’d you go and say that for? Rat Poison said from a hiding place in the corner of his room. He rarely came out when his mother was around. None of his friends did. She was always trying to get rid of them, make him think they weren’t real. She didn’t like Rat especially. Him or his name. Said it was gross and no one would name their son Rat Poison. Only someone did.

Joshua's mother began painstakingly searching his bedroom, just like she had a hundred times before. Turning over books, overturning draws, looking under clothing, running her fingers along the top of the bookshelf, and shooing away the dust bunnies. She did not stop until she was certain there were no tablets to be found. Defeated, she slumped down at the end of his bed, covering her face with trembling hands.

Oh, Joshua, she started, pushing back tears. Why won’t you take your medicine? Don’t you want to get better? Don’t you want to leave this room…one day?

Cautious optimism was what it was called. Sure. Joshua could be optimistic about his chances of getting better and leaving the house. But his ailment was not the only thing keeping him confined to his room. There was his father to contend with.

Joshua didn’t like to make his mother cry.

I told you, Mother. I DO take them. Honest. He lowered his head a little knowing he hadn’t been taking them as much as had been prescribed—if at all.

Good boy. Lay on the charm. She’ll believe anything you say. You don’t need to take medicine. There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s poison. All of it. Poison, Rat Poison’s convincing words comforted Joshua from the corner.

As for leaving the room, he wasn’t going anywhere as long as that tree monster was out there. So for now, his dad could play tough guy and insist he remain in the house—in his room even.

His mother stood up, wiped her hands on her apron, walked to the top of his bed, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He could hear Rat Poison snickering from the corner. He had enjoyed seeing her upset. There was no love lost between those two.

Then you would do well not to antagonize your teacher with this faces in the tree nonsense. There are lots of other sick children out there whose parents can’t afford an in-home teacher. Thank God your father has such a good job. Just take your medicine, Joshua, so we can all be happy, OK, sweetheart? Underneath her smile was tension, fatigue, and something else Joshua couldn’t make out.

Joshua turned his gaze back on the garden. He wasn’t sure how his taking medicine made everyone else happy.

I’d rather my father spend time with me than off affording me an in-home teacher. He wasn’t even thinking it so where those words came from, Joshua could only guess. He hardly ever thought of his dad, but for some reason he’d been on his mind of late.

Now you know that's not fair, Joshua. You should be happy to have a father who cares about you. Why just this morning I read in the paper about people who had a son just like you—around your age, and you know what they did with him? They didn’t try to help him or educate him. Do you know what they did? Her face contorted in a way that scared Joshua, as if she was about to reveal a terrifying truth, one that Joshua was not prepared to hear. He pulled the covers up to his chin and waited to accept the fate of the boy—the one just like him. They locked him in the basement!

***

Joshua thought of the boy locked in the basement the rest of the afternoon. His friends were especially vocal on the subject.

So that’s their plan! They’re gonna lock you in the basement if you don’t take your pills, claimed Rat Poison, who was the first one to offer advice, as usual.

Yeah and if you don’t let them poison you, or the tree doesn’t get you, they lock you in the basement. What kind of deal is that, Josh? Carolyn, the only girl amongst his friends joined in. She reminded him a bit of his sister, Gabrielle. Only Gabrielle wasn’t nearly as annoying.

And what’s gonna happen to us if you get locked up in the basement? You can’t let them take you. That was Adam. Everyone pretty much went along with whatever he said, except for Rat Poison. Joshua found Adam to be the most reliable of the five. He could always count on Adam.

He’d considered the advice of his friends and may have even drifted off to sleep for a bit. When he woke again, it weighed heavily on his mind. Could his parents be so cruel? He quickly brushed the tears from his cheeks when he heard someone coming up the stairs.

It was his sister Gabrielle.

Have you been crying again, Josh? She made her way into his room as always, like she was a part of it.

He quickly turned his face away and watched his friends the birds in the garden.

Do you know how hard it is to live in this room all the time? I've only ever seen football games on television. I'd give anything to go and watch a real game. Surely it's not too much to ask, he moaned.

His sister took his hand in hers and thought for a moment.

When you were much younger, we all used to go out to dinner at least once a week. There were times when you were good, but there were times when you were unbearable. I remember one time you bit an old lady on the leg. Then there was that other time when you—

Stop it! Please stop! Surely I'm not the only bad person in the world. Joshua remembered biting that—devil. It wasn’t a lady, that was for sure. It was all Adam’s idea, and one of the first times he and Rat Poison agreed on anything. It was also the first day he’d met Carolyn. She’d already been attacked and he was trying to save his family before the demon came for them. He wasn’t acting out as his dad had said. He was being brave.

I didn't say you were bad, Josh. It’s just not polite to go around biting people.

That's supposed to make me feel better? I saved you. Joshua’s voice became small.

Gabrielle gently squeezed her brother's hand. She knelt beside his bed, looking for all the world like a doting mother.

Can you keep a secret? she said.

Of course! replied Joshua, his eyes suddenly alive with anticipation.

You're my favorite person in the whole world.

Joshua sat in stunned silence for a time, a solitary tear slowly trailing his cheek.

But you know a ton of people, he replied in a hoarse whisper.

Oh don't get me wrong, I love Mom and Dad dearly, but well, some people are just—special. Like you.

How do you mean?

Remember the time you met my English teacher and told me she looked like an alien? Turns out you were right. She leaned in close with a plastered on smile. The very next day she didn’t come to school, so I went to the administrative office to ask after her and you’ll never guess what they said. She paused for effect. Joshua’s eyes grew huge with anticipation. They said she couldn’t be reached, didn’t call, just didn’t show! Gabrielle seemed very excited.

Joshua was confused. No spaceship. No little green people.

So?

So? She didn’t call. They couldn’t get in touch with her—because—she went back to her home planet. Don’t you get it? You were right! No one else would have picked up on something like that. Don’t you get it? You’re a genius!

Joshua’s smile was wide and his eyes shone bright, but somehow he couldn’t help think back to that day. He wondered why Mrs. Hensen hadn’t taken