‘We can’t abandon the trees to an unknown fate, Tabitha,’ joined in Arthur, patiently. ‘They’ve all been here longer than we have. They are wiser and stronger than anyone of us, yet they are defencelessagainst the chainsaw.’
‘We’re staying,’ said Nora. ‘Aren’t we, Nellie?’
‘Oh yes,’ said Nellie. ‘I’ve got my hot water bottle just in case it turns a bit nippy. We’re used to a sit-in.’
‘So, we’re not going anywhere,’ Nora reiterated.
‘Right…’ I stood there, not knowing what to do. ‘But I would really like it if you would.’
They all shook their heads. ‘Sorry,’ said Robbo. ‘We can’t. Even ifwe wanted to.’
‘We are beholden to stay,’ explained Leaf. ‘It’s what we have signed up for. Saving the natural world from evil.’
‘Evil is slightly strong…’ I looked at them all. ‘Please?’
‘Sorry, Tabitha. We’ll be here for as long as it takes.’
And there was nothing more I could do except walk away, leaving my mother and her posse of protestors behind.
