I was choking from the lack of conversation.

I had to get some fresh air.

The meeting was killing me softly.

I looked around and saw the black asphalt of the parking lot.

Heat lines were rising off it.

But there was a tree.

In the distance, it swayed in the breeze.

One lone majestic pine.

Just as isolated as I felt.

A single Torrey Pine which saved my morning.

Brought me back to life.

The air in the meeting was stale.

Now I could breathe in the moments.

The parking lot was a desert of black tar.

Now it was an oasis.

Both of us spoke.

I went first.

Thanks for being born and growing there, Torrey Pine.

Thanks for not forgetting, Steven.