Nobody saw the tree coming.

The great trunk ruptured the sun-blasted concrete, folding the collapsing buildings into itself as it expanded. Roots burrowed through underground railways, branches pierced the brittle glass of windows, and asphalt flowers blossomed in the air.

The city was abandoned overnight.

Tourists returned only cautiously.

William Shaw is a student, blogger, and amateur journalist. He is fearful and respectful of all trees. You can find him on Tumblr, where he writes haiku poetry about Doctor Who, and on Twitter.