The Tree Burns

He travelled through a barren land-- twelve days without food and an endless sea of desert. The sun pricked his covered skin; his throat scratching like the sand under his sandals. He was beginning to regret trying.

Why did he choose to leave the comfort of his home in pursuit of a miracle? Why didn't he settle for what he had? He was miles deep into the wilderness and mayhap, a few meters away from his grave. His doubts are slowly gnawing at the little hope he had.

Just as his tired feet are about to fall into surrender, a robust tree appeared before him. Its trunk stood proudly amidst the fiery sand; its roots creeping deeper into the earth.

Before him stood a miracle for the tree's green leaves lit ablaze without burning. His throat craved painfully for the water dripping from the branches. He longed for it, he may even die for it.

But he was afraid of the fire.

He turned away and went on. He didn't look back but he never forgot the tree. He had found his miracle but he was too afraid to make it his.