A MAGICAL ENCOUNTER — Do you know how to laugh?

Unaware of their conclusions, Skyblue continued her search. At each possible home she stopped, examined the trunk, looked up into the crown, and asked:

“Do you know how to laugh?”

The trees barely stirred their branches, bewildered: they were sensible trees, and no one had ever asked them anything of the sort.

She would wait a moment. Then she would thank them and go on her way.

Several days passed. Her father, almost at the end of his patience, wanted to know exactly what she was looking for.

“A home,” Skyblue replied.

“I know that.”

“That’s why I can’t choose just any tree. It’s the most important thing I’ve ever had to do.”

He could think of nothing to say. The neighbors began recommending trees, as though she had not seen them. Some had broad trunks, others were very well situated, and still others had branches especially suited to displaying treasures.

Skyblue visited them out of politeness. None knew how to laugh.