In the early days of autumn, my father and I ventured northward, seeking to immerse ourselves in the seasonal transformation. As we stood by this beaver pond, our eyes were drawn to two small trees. One, a deciduous companion, had shed its vibrant foliage, standing bare and vulnerable. The other, a steadfast conifer, remained adorned in its thick coat of needles, resolute and unwavering. Despite their contrasting forms, they stood side by side—silent friends, united by both strength and fragility. Together, they weathered the changing winds, promising to grow and endure as the seasons shifted around them.