Once upon a time deep in a deep dark forest lived a family of tree-counters who went by the surname of Green. It was their job to count trees and, although they sometimes couldn't see the woods for the forest, they coped admirably well with the task set them. After all, it was a job that had been passed down through the generations and so they took great pride in their ability to count trees and to count them well.

One evening, whilst eating their supper, the Green's eldest daughter, Theresa, announced her intentions to leave the family and embark upon an adventure. "It's time that I branched out on my own," she explained as she chased some elusive peas with her fork.

"What?" exclaimed Mrs Green in shock. "Surely not. I thought you would be happy to continue the family tradition of counting trees."

"Look, I didn't mean to ruffle your fur," Theresa stated, "but I was talking with Willow and…"

"Willow," barked her father. "I should have known that bit of dead wood was involved in this."

"She's my friend, not dead wood," protested Theresa. "Even if we hadn't talked, I was going to leave anyway. I'm sick of counting trees."

"But tree counting is an honourable profession," protested Mrs Green, the timbre of her voice affected by the emotion of the moment.

"I know, but I still think I should go," said Theresa.

"But will you come back?" asked her mother, a tear springing to her eye as she visibly wilted.

Theresa rose from the table and gave her mother a hug. "Now don't get sappy. Of course I will." With that she left to pack a few belongings.

Her father looked at her empty place and sadly shook his head. "I should've twigged to this long ago," he commented sadly. "We can only hope that she has set down enough roots here for her to come back one day."

Theresa and Willow had been journeying for several days through the forest, passing so many trees that Theresa was glad that she was no longer a tree counter. Even though the pair had not yet experienced anything that remotely resembled an adventure, Theresa was enjoying this new experience and found that she did not pine for life at home at all.

"Look," said Willow, breaking the companionable silence. "There's a stream. Let's rest for awhile beside it."

"Yes, that would be a good idea," Theresa agreed. "My limbs do feel a little weary." So they sat for awhile beside the stream and watched small fish playing in the shallows. It was a most pleasant afternoon. However Theresa soon became aware of the fact that Willow was crying softly beside her.

Aghast, she looked at her companion. "Why are you weeping Willow?" she asked, concerned that her friend was unhappy.

"I so much wanted us to have an adventure," sobbed Willow as she gallantly tried to wipe all her tears away. "But we haven't. I'm so sorry. I've planted a silly idea in your head, uprooted you from your family and you've gone out on a limb for me and now…"

Theresa smiled. "Don't be foliage Willow. I wanted to have an adventure just as much as you did. I didn't just fall in with your plans because you're my friend."

"Really?"

"Really."

"So you don't mind that we haven't had an adventure yet?"

"Not at all." Smiling again, Theresa said, "I'm sure that we will eventually. We just have to be patient."

Both content once more, they let the companionable silence return to engulf them as they watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon. They knew that one day their adventure would come.