Summer Shorts Read online

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  Dear Stephen,

  I don't know if you remember the story of Sarah's tree that we had drummed into us as youngsters, but the strangest thing has happened. I suppose you know that Dutch Elm disease has been decimating our trees this year, well poor old Sarah has contracted it and has got to go. The village doesn't seem to know whether to be pleased or not and, though none of them will admit to it, there seems to be a current of uneasiness running through the village. It's funny really that even in this day and age that people can be slave to dark-age superstition.

  Anyway Stephen, the tree is to come down the weekend after next so why don't you come down and stay at my place and we can drink a toast to old Sarah, the only tree for miles we never climbed as boys.

  Hoping to see you soon,

  John.