24 At last I got to my resting place spot. The sun was bright above the wide, outstretched branches of the tree, making its leaves glisten with the morning dew. There were birds singing and monkeys jumping from limb to limb. I gave the tree a big hello hug and sat underneath its comforting strong branches. As if we’d been friends forever, I started telling the Chicozapote tree some stories about my parents, friends, and sisters. I even shared stories my parents told me about growing up in our village. The more I spoke, the more the tree leaned down and listened. Carefully and gently it wrapped its enormous branches around my shoulders and seemed to pat me on my head. I could have stayed there forever. “Marcos!” Poppi called. His voice seemed distant as it travelled across the vines and branches of the rainforest. Had it been a whole day already? I looked around, and jumped to my feet. “I have to go,” I explained, and threw my arms around its big, strong trunk. “Muchas gracias, mi amigo. Thank you very much.” But as I started to walk away, suddenly beautiful blossoms popped open and color- ful gumballs fell to the ground. Each one smelled like a different fruit. Others were fruit mixtures. It was magia (magic)! I quickly gathered the gumballs and stuffed my pockets full. I put one in my mouth. I gave the tree one last hug. I just knew the tree loved its new name. Zappy was perfecto. I promised to return the next day. As I ran to meet Poppi, I glanced back to catch Zappy wave goodbye with long, leafy branches. I knew at that moment that we’d always be best friends.