Karyn awoke to find that everything was black, but she was in a strange place she felt she could step out of.
She did, and realized she was right next to the tree. It would be impossible for her to have stepped there unless somehow she had been inside the tree just a second ago.
"Hold it," said Jon's voice in her head. Instinctively, she stopped.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"You got your wish, Karyn. You're a dryad."
She looked over her body. She looked the same as before--really before. The long blonde hair was gone and the reflection in a nearby window showed that her reddish hair was back again. "A tree nymph? But I don't have green skin."
"Oh, come on," said Jon in her head. "Dryads don't have to have green skin. But they're closely tied to the tree. They serve the tree."
"Maybe so," said Karyn.
"Karyn, stand on your head," said Jon.
Karyn felt compelled to do a headstand, up to the point where Jon said "Stop", leaving her in an awkward position on the ground trying to lift herself by her hands. She got up and started putting her clothes back on.
"I told you they serve the tree."
"That's mean!" replied Karyn.
"Well, you never asked me if I wanted to be a tree. I figure this couldn't hurt you. I won't abuse it. By the way, I'd suggest staying within five miles or so of me. Don't worry, your house and the school are close enough. I'd also suggest you pick up that stone and wish people remember you with the old hair as long as you have it. Then I need an excuse to be away from school for a month... Unless you can think of a way to wish me back, of course."
