Tree of Lost Wishes

Xander stood there mesmerized as the leaves of the enchanted tree gradually changed from glowing green to vivid red. Its thick woody trunk acquired a deeper shade as it shed a few of its shriveled old leaves and spontaneously grew new ones to replace them.

As the leaves floated downward, drifting in the mellow breeze, the air filled with a peculiar musky smell. Xander looked up and noticed even the acorns were gradually changing color. Some of them turned ashy gray while others segregated into two different shades of nutty brown.

Xander felt a gentle warmth caressing his skin as he neared the shadow of the leafy giant. As if to welcome him, the butterflies fluttered up to him, drawing airy circles around him and illuminating his face with a soft azure glow.