There was an old oak tree in the garden. Holly's father wanted to cut it down and build a new office there. Holly felt sad and didn't agree. She moved into the old tree house, which was her favourite place in the world. One day, it rained all night. Lightning lit up the sky and thunder rumbled. The tree house was moving. A branch (树枝) broke. Holly and her dog Eco fell down from the tree. Her parents ran towards her and took her into the room. Luckily, Holly was all right.
The next day a tree surgeon (外科医生) named Harry examined the oak tree. He did some tests, then he talked to Holly and her father.
"This is a lovely tree," he said. "I can see why it's so important to you, Holly. Unfortunately, it's very old, and it has a disease. It really isn't safe. I'm afraid it has to come down."
Holly nodded. Her father put his arm around her.
"Can you cut it down?" he asked.
"Yes, of course," said Harry.
"And after that… can you plant a new tree?"
"A new tree?" asked Holly, surprised. "Where?"
"In the same place, of course," her father replied.
So Harry cut down the old oak tree and planted a new one in its place. Holly helped him fill the hole with earth, and Eco jumped in and out of it while they were working. Later the whole family stood around the new tree.
"It's small, isn't it?" said Holly's sister Sophie.
"It's small now," said Holly, "but it's going to grow. It's going to grow as big as my old tree."
Then she turned to her father.
"Dad, where are you going to build your new office?"
"Over there," said her father, pointing.
"On the lawn?" asked Holly. Her parents were crazy about their stupid lawn!
"It's OK," her mother said. "The tree's more important. In fact, I want you to have a party in the garden for your new tree. And I want you to invite all your friends."
Holly and Sophie smiled. It was going to be a great summer after all.
