"The nights grew shorter, the world grew colder, and bit by bit the misty grayness swallowed everything." Such a talented story teller you are. I saw and felt the gray. The story was just as much intriguing as the facts about the pear tree. I think this would be a splendid story to submit to the new Let Us Garden publication. They're accepting garden and healthy living themes, and your pears certainly quailify, plus they accept PREVIOUSLY published story. Check it out, and thanks for allowing me to leave Earth for a bit today. You deserve a Twitter lift. I got you :-)