Creek Speak | Page 53

and kindness. He gains an incredible amount of followers as Ralph uses his powers to convince people to not give up fighting.

Back in New York, Rosalie waits at the coffee shop night and day for her love to return. She has many suitors willing to take Ralph's place. They see how beautiful and full of sadness she is and ask to sit with her or buy her coffee, but she refuses them all knowing she could wait forever for Ralph. As she watches the news reporting of the huge accomplishments “The Green Nurturer” has made, she wonders to herself if Ralph will ever return. She wonders if he has forgotten about her completely. Will he ever come back to me? or will he leave me behind and only focus on saving the world?”

Meanwhile, back in South America, Ralph’s travels lead him to an enormous orange barrier which he climbs over. He is devastated by the sight. He falls to the ground, looking up at a smoggy, burnt, dead, wasteland. He was too late. For a while, he can't comprehend what has happened or how to change it. There is an indignant rage that starts deep within him. Then something marvelous happens. He feels the rage and sorrow through his bones, beaming through his fingertips, and right at his feet, a tiny seedling breaks the cold, hard debris. He rises and starts to walk upon the wasteland, further, and further. With each step, he takes the earth springs back To life and new plants rise out of the ground. He walks miles and miles for what seems like forever but the new life that he has replenished replenishes him. He loses track of time, walking for days, and the days fade into weeks. He walks far and wide across rugged terrain and rolling hills. He gains many supporters who walk with him. They hold protest signs and on the way reporters and news channels interview Ralph, documenting the positive impact he has made.

Back in New York, Rosalie starts to lose hope and thinks about choosing someone to fill Ralph's place. She knows no one can, but decides to test them by giving one almost impossible challenge that only Ralph has completed. Many men accept the challenge she proposes. She takes a cup of coffee beans and says, “Take these beans and make a seedling grow.”

The suitors try and try with different techniques but all fail. Just as the last man fails his test, Ralph bursts through the door reuniting with his love. He takes a single bean and with just one touch he creates the most beautiful and vibrant rose anyone has ever seen. She gazes at the deep red, velvety petals and notices a beam of light peaking through. She peels back a single petal. She gasps and stares at the bright, clear diamond.

“Rosalie, will you marry me?” Her eyes light up and she is breathless. All she can do is nod yes as she jumps into Ralph's arms. They love each other as long as the the world lives.